Oliver Sacks: His Own Life

This is an inspiring documentary of a man who devoted his life to treating and sharing the story of those trapped within themselves. You’ll be amazed to learn how this British-born Orthodox Jewish young man’s ups and downs ultimately contributed to his becoming world-renowned as a neurologist, naturalist, historian of science and author. Later he became an instructor, then clinical professor of neurology at Yeshiva University’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Sack’s work hit the big screen in the 1990 American drama film, “Awakenings,” based on his published 1973 memoir of the same name. It tells the story of a fictional character, Dr. Malcolm Sayer, based on Sack’s real-life experience working with catatonic patients. The blockbuster film starred Robert DeNiro and the late Robin Williams.

As a neurologist and scientist with a love of chemistry and an attention span of about 12 seconds, he thrived on human connections. The impact of his work on the medical world, especially in treating patients trapped in a state of catatonic psychosis and with psychiatric and neurological disorders, was revolutionary.

This documentary takes you on a journey through time, discovering the incredible influence one man can have on the entire world. ■