Awakenings True Story: Real Life Doctor & Drug Experiments Explained

The Awakenings movie is a dramatization of the 1973 memoir of the same name, but what is the true story behind the semi-fictional Dr. Sayer? In 1990, viewers were treated to a dramatic story starring Robin Williams (who, even in a more serious role, added a touch of his particular sense of humor) and Robert De Niro. The pair play doctor and patient in a story that’s equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. Even though the movie came out over 30 years ago, many still want to know the Awakenings true story. Unlike Robin Williams' other medical drama, the historically inaccurate Patch Adams, Awakenings uses its true story to enhance the Hollywood version.