"Awakenings" is a 1990 film based on Dr. Oliver Sacks' 1973 book by the same title. The book is a true biographical story of a British neurologist (Oliver Sacks), fictionalized as American Malcolm Sayer, played by Robin Williams in the film. The film also stars Robert DeNiro, who won the Academy Award for best actor for his portrayal of Leonard Lowe. The film also won Best Picture of 1990 and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Pre-movie Questions (you will need to do some outside research to find the answers - check Handouts area in D2L) :
1. What is encephalitis lethargica? What are the symptoms?
2. What does it mean to be catatonic?
3. What is LDopa?What other major neurological disease is commonly treated with LDopa?
Post-Movie Questions:
4. What were the effects of LDopa on the catatonic patients?
5. What seems to mean the most to Leonard after his awakening?
6. For Leonard, what were the eventual side effects of takingLDopa?
Thought Questions:
8. Do you think what Dr. Sayer did in awakening the patients was unethical? How and why?
9. If you went into a catatonic state this year, what people and things in your life might be different if you woke up in 30 years?
10. Did you like this movie? Why or why not?