Awakenings

Awakenings is a 1990 fact-based film which tells the story of a doctor who in 1969 discovers beneficial effects of the then-new drug L-Dopa on patients who are catatonic after surviving the 1917-1928 epidemic of encephalitis lethargica.

Related Topics:
1990 - 1969 - L-Dopa - Epidemic - Encephalitis lethargica

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It stars Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, Julie Kavner, Ruth Nelson, John Heard, and Penelope Ann Miller, and was directed by Penny Marshall.

Related Topics:
Robert De Niro - Robin Williams - Julie Kavner - Ruth Nelson - John Heard - Penelope Ann Miller - Penny Marshall

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The movie was adapted by Steven Zaillian from the book of the same name by neurologist Oliver Sacks, in which he tells about his real-life experiences with similar patients. The book was also used by Harold Pinter as the basis of his one-act play A Kind of Alaska, performed in 1982.

Related Topics:
Steven Zaillian - Oliver Sacks - Harold Pinter - Play - 1982

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The film was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Robert De Niro), Best Picture and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.

Related Topics:
Academy Awards - Best Actor in a Leading Role - Best Picture - Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium

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