Here is a film that could have been a disaster if it were not for the work of two very different actors: Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. Although De Niro is known for powerful dramatic roles, Williams had rarely done drama. Aside from Oscar-nominated work in "Good Morning, Vietnam" (1987) and "Dead Poets Society" (1989), his dramatic roles had been limited.
In "Awakenings," Williams completely does away with his usual zaniness found even in his previous serious parts. He is subtle, subdued and in character through-out. As a doctor with a vision of life for his comatose patients, he creates a likable, shy, determined, three-dimensional portrait.
Robert De Niro is also sympathetic and moving as one of the key patients who Williams tries his experimental therapy on.
Although the film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including De Niro, the screenplay and the picture itself, Williams was unjustly snubbed. So was director Penny Marshall, whose confidence in straightforward story-telling and getting superb performances out of her actors, makes this her greatest achievment as a film maker thus far. It is also one of the best movies of its year.
In "Awakenings," Williams completely does away with his usual zaniness found even in his previous serious parts. He is subtle, subdued and in character through-out. As a doctor with a vision of life for his comatose patients, he creates a likable, shy, determined, three-dimensional portrait.
Robert De Niro is also sympathetic and moving as one of the key patients who Williams tries his experimental therapy on.
Although the film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including De Niro, the screenplay and the picture itself, Williams was unjustly snubbed. So was director Penny Marshall, whose confidence in straightforward story-telling and getting superb performances out of her actors, makes this her greatest achievment as a film maker thus far. It is also one of the best movies of its year.