(snip)..."After working extensively with the catatonic patients who survived the 1917-1928 epidemic of encephalitis lethargica, Sayer and Eleanor discover certain things will reach beyond the patients' respective catatonic states; actions such as catching a ball thrown at them, hearing specific genres of music, and experiencing human touch all have unique effects on particular patients and offer a glimpse into their worlds. Leonard Lowe (Robert De Niro) proves elusive in this regard, prompting Sayer to visit Leonard's mother (Ruth Nelson) at home to better understand his patient. A daily visitor and carer for Leonard, she tells Sayer that Leonard had been an avid reader during much of his pre-catatonic early confinement with the encephalitis. Sayer soon discovers that by using a Ouija board with Leonard's hands on the planchette and Sayer's hands on top, Leonard is able to communicate. He spells out "RILKE PANTHER", and on a hunch Sayer heads to the local library and discovers a book of Rainer Maria Rilke poems, one of which is entitled "The Panther." Sayer is more determined than ever to find a breakthrough to help his patients return to reality..." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awakenings