
Plot
Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, as the exuberant patient reveals life's simple but unutterably sweet pleasures to the introverted doctor.
Trailer
Cast

Robert De Niro
Leonard Lowe

Robin Williams
Malcolm Sayer

John Heard
Dr. Kaufman

Julie Kavner
Eleanor Costello

Penelope Ann Miller
Paula

Ruth Nelson
Mrs. Lowe

Max von Sydow
Peter Ingham

Anne Meara
Miriam

Dexter Gordon
Rolando

George Martin
Frank

Alice Drummond
Lucy Fishman

Richard Libertini
Sidney

Laura Esterman
Lolly

Barton Heyman
Bert

Judith Malina
Rose

Mary Alice
Nurse Margaret

Keith Diamond
Anthony

Bradley Whitford
Dr. Tyler

John Christopher Jones
Dr. Sullivan

Mary Catherine Wright
Nurse Beth

Jayne Haynes
Frances

Le Clanché du Rand
Magda

Yusef Bulos
Joseph

Steven Randazzo
Luis

Gloria Harper
Dottie

Gwyllum Evans
Desmond

Steve Vinovich
Ray

Tiger Haynes
Janitor

Harvey Miller
Hospital Director

Tanya Berezin
Psychiatrist

Peter Stormare
Neurochemist

Shane Fistell
Man in Hall

Waheedah Ahmad
Hysterical Woman

Charles Keating
Mr. Kean

Christina Huertes
Christina

Linda Burns
Fishsticks

Judy Jacksina
Hospital Receptionist

Gary Tacon
George

Rico Elias
Orderly #1

Mel Gorham
Nurse Sara

Chris Carolan
EEG Technician

Debra Kovner-Zaks
Cafeteria Nurse

Max Rabinowitz
Ward #5 Orderly

Gordon Joseph Weiss
Ward #5 Patient

Byron Utley
Ward #5 Patient #2

Anthony McGowen
Ward #5 Patient #3

Paul Montgomery
Ward #5 Patient #4

Leonard Tepper
Ward #5 Patient #5

Vincent Pastore
Ward #5 Patient #6

Howard Feller
Ward #5 Patient #7

Libby Titus
Club Singer

Michael Hyde
Bus Driver

Tomislav Novakovic
Bartender

Adam Bryant
Librarian

Anthony J. Nici
Young Leonard

Oliver Block
Leonard's Friend #1

Buck Smith
Leonard's Friend #2

Joan E. MacIntosh
Teacher

Harry L. Seddon
Medical Student

Jack Mulcahy
Psych Ward Intern

Jason W. Fuchs
Pot-Head Hippie

Vin Diesel
Hospital Orderly (uncredited)