Movie #56 - Awakenings

"There is no such thing as a simple miracle."

One of my favourite films from the 90's era, this is definitely a great, feel good story about life and the perseverance of the human spirit.

Before I saw this film, I saw a documentary about Dr. Oliver Sacks on CBC Newsworld, portraying the doctor for which this film was based on. Sacks had worked on a number of encephalitis patients in the 1960's in a Bronx hospital, being able to "revive" them for a brief period of time using experimental medications.

The documentary was somewhat morbid, showing actual patients and their medical conditions / hardships... what better way to lighten up that story than make a fictional adaptation of Dr. Sacks' life - casting Robin Williams as Dr. Malcolm Sayer.

This film is a wonderfully shot movie by Penny Marshall with a beautiful score written by Randy Newman, which is prevalent throughout the scenes of the film. There are some strong cameos from Julie Kavner, John Heard, and Penelope Ann Miller. However, the real treat to this movie is the relationship built and established between Williams and Robert De Niro's character of Leonard.

De Niro and Williams work together on this movie like peanut butter and jelly. The contrasting styles of both acclaimed actors work well in this drama - as Williams really captures the shyness and awkwardness of the Sayer role. By the end of the film, you really feel for De Niro's character and the rest of the patients in this movie and you are genuinely touched by its message.

This movie also marks the transition that Williams makes into dramatic acting, something I wish he would continue to do. Not only has Williams been recognized for his role in Awakenings, but you can add Dead Poets' Society, Good Will Hunting, Jakob the Liar, Insomnia, What Dreams May Come, and One Hour Photo to his dramatic resume.

Unfortunately, similar to De Niro's recent works in the last 10-15 years, Williams resume is overshadowed by money grab films and box office flops such as Flubber, Jack, and RV. I hope that he begins to realize that a happy medium of drama and comedy can easily be established... we definitely need to see him in more time pieces or non-fictional movies - give us some more Patch Adams Robin, this is where you are at your best!