Name _____________________________
Intro to Psych
Psych in Film: Awakenings
Date _____________
Per. _______
Directions
As you watch the film, “Awakenings” the next three days in class please answer the following
questions below in complete sentences. This movie will give you a close look as to what happens
to people when they have brain disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Sayer (Robin
Williams) plays the main character, who strongly believes he can cure this disease. Eventually,
you will see the affect his experiment has on the patients. The questions go in order with the
film. Keep this packet for the next three days as you will complete the questions as the movie
continues. This will be worth 50 points.
1)
Why is Dr. Sayer so hesitant to accept the job as a “Chronic” Hospital Clinical doctor?
Why do you think he is having these reservations?
2)
In your opinion, why do you think the patients in the “Chronic” Hospital were able to
respond to certain things such as music, catching a ball or human contact and not able to
respond to other outside influences?
3)
Why does Dr. Sayer want to experiment so badly with the drug L-Dopa? What is he
trying to accomplish with this medicine?
4)
When Dr. Sayer finally gets the “okay” to use L-Dopa on one patient, why do you think
he chooses Leonard?
5)
Why is Leonard’s mother so upset when she witnesses him leaving their table (and
conversation) for a different woman? What does she think is happening to Leonard?
6)
Do you think Leonard should be able to “go for a walk” after he has been on L-Dopa for
an extended period of time? Why or why not?
7)
Do you feel Leonard is causing trouble on purpose in the facility? Does he actually know
what he is doing at these times?
8)
Do you think the rest of the patients should be in fear that they will change the way
Leonard has after being on L-Dopa for a long period of time? Explain.
9)
Do you feel Dr. Sayer is doing the right or ethical thing by constantly increasing the
dosage of L-Dopa he is giving Leonard?
10)
Why is Leonard’s “friend” so emotional when the two share a dance in the cafeteria of
the facility?
11)
Briefly describe the process and relationship between Dr. Sayer and Leonard during the
film? How does this relationship begin? How does it continue through the duration of the
film? How does it end?