Review of Awakenings (1990) by Alysia V — 15 Jan 2009
I had seen this movie some time ago, but have only recently read the book, so when I caught this film playing on t.v. I thought it only appropriate to watch it again. The book is heartbreaking, as is the movie.
Being based on a true story just makes it all the more impacting and saddening. To be stuck in such a paralytic state and feeling that sense of confinement and entrapment would be truly horrifying and this movie does a good job of portraying that.
Robert DeNiro gives an amazing performance, as does Robin Williams. I truly believe that Robert DeNiro was an encephalitis patient because his acting was so great. There is a moment of joy and hope in this film but then that's taken away, which just makes it all the more heartwrenching.
They did definitely make the film a lot more appealing to audiences, per say, and a lot more emotional and less scientific, as the book was. It didn't follow extremely closely to the book, but that probably was because had it followed the book directly, most people would've been bored while watching it.
This review of Awakenings (1990) was written by Alysia V on 15 Jan 2009.
Awakenings has generally received very positive reviews.
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