Awakenings
Awakenings (1990)
“There is no such thing as a simple miracle.”
Synopsis & Story Arc
Official Logline
Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, as the exuberant patient reveals life's simple but unutterably sweet pleasures to the introverted doctor.
Complete Cast & Crew Directory
Directing & Screenplay
Cast & Characters
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro
as Leonard Lowe
Robin Williams
Robin Williams
as Malcolm Sayer
John Heard
John Heard
as Dr. Kaufman
Julie Kavner
Julie Kavner
as Eleanor Costello
Penelope Ann Miller
Penelope Ann Miller
as Paula
Ruth Nelson
Ruth Nelson
as Mrs. Lowe
Max von Sydow
Max von Sydow
as Peter Ingham
Anne Meara
Anne Meara
as Miriam
Dexter Gordon
Dexter Gordon
as Rolando
George Martin
George Martin
as Frank
Alice Drummond
Alice Drummond
as Lucy Fishman
Richard Libertini
Richard Libertini
as SidneyCinematography & Large-Format Specifications
Cinematographic negative, aspect ratios & laboratory mastering sheet
| Aspect Ratios | 2.39:1 |
|---|---|
| Camera Systems | Arri Alexa LF / Panavision Millennium DXL2 |
| Negative Format | 35mm / 65mm / Digital Master |
| Printed Film Format | 70mm / DCP Master |
| Sound Mix Formats | Dolby AtmosDTS:X5.1 Surround |
| Laboratory / VFX | Technicolor / Double Negative (DNEG) |
| Color Processing | Color (Rec.709 / DCI-P3 Mastering) |
| Official Runtime | 120 min |
Behind The Scenes
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GlobalCineDB Consensus Score
Weighted consensus from 100K+ verified global cinephile ratings
Community Reviews & Discussions (3)
The pipe organ composition from Hans Zimmer at the edge of Gargantua is monumental. Nolan masterfully balances the vast coldness of relativistic astrophysics with the intimate, multidimensional bond of family. A transcendent achievement of cinema.
"Do not go gentle into that good night, Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Michael Caine reciting Dylan Thomas resonates throughout the entire odyssey. Pure cinematic grandeur.