Oliver Sacks: His Own Life (2019) - a film by Ric Burns

"Sacks...was a fearless explorer of unknown cognitive worlds who helped redefine our understanding of the brain and mind, the diversity of human experience, and our shared humanity."

Many years ago I discovered The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat by neurologist Oliver Sacks.  I am neurodivergent, although I can't remember if I knew that at the time I read this book.  However, I have always been extremely curious about how others different than I experienced the world. What was it that guided their choices?  Why were their beliefs all so different? Why did they seem to experience life differently and see things through a different lens?  What gave them joy?  My original goal was to become a Psychologist. Sadly I walked away part way through earning my Masters Degree as I realized the emotional load was probably too large for me. I wouldn't be able to leave it at the office. 

I ended up reading several of Sacks' books sharing stories from his career that showcased the great diversity of ways the brain, especially one that has cognitive differences or is coping with damage, can offer a reality starkly different from the norm.  That explains so much.  Not only are we all a product of our upbringing and the society that surrounds us, we are also a product of the way our brain functions.  I know this last personally.  I was in my 40's before I discovered I had ADD. My body was quiet, but internally my mind was racing at a different speed and in way more directions that those around me.  I had no idea. I thought the way my mind worked was how everyone's did. 

A couple months ago I saw this documentary advertised and was intrigued. I knew nothing about Sacks personally. What was his journey to become a neurologist? What guided the way he approached his patients? As I love a good memoir (audio or print), so I recorded it. It wasn't until this week I had time to watch it. I was stunned.  What a story.  The film covers his turbulent early years, including intimate details of his battles with drug addiction and homophobia (he was mostly celibate until he met his partner at the age of 75). As he eventually started therapy, moved beyond his battles and began his brilliant career, he was distressed to find the medical establishment shunned his work, and his writing. He was acknowledged and celebrated only later in life. 

What Sacks was most brilliant at was empathy. Time and time again, throughout this documentary, colleagues that were interviewed spoke of his ability to connect with patients, even ones with dementia or severe mental illness.  He approached each with compassion and curiosity.  He held their hands, looked into their eyes, and spoke with them.  One shared it felt like Sacks went inside the patient and brought their story out.  He validated them.

The documentary also covered Sacks' experiences that was the basis of the movie Awakenings. When he began to work on a  ward of people with servere diagnoses, he noticed some who were victims of the 1920's "Sleeping Sickness" seemed different. They had been lost for decades in a what was referred to as a "sleeping coma,"  but nurses told him they felt the people were still there, locked inside. He listened.  He began to experiment with L-Dopa and the results were astonishing. What a joy to see these people come alive again. Then how devastating it was that the effect slowly faded.  

All through this documentary are scattered clips of Sacks' final interview in an office surrounded by the people who supported him - his editor, his partner, his assistant, and more.  He had recently discovered he had cancer and was given only 6 months to live.  He decided this was the time to open a window on his early life, and his views on his experiences as a neurologist. He shares his story honestly, and without apology. What is most surprising is the joy he radiates through it all despite the clock ticking.  In fact, we are told he kept himself immersed in writing and studies until he passed at home. Never once did there seem to be any poor me time. He was too busy squeezing the last drops of life out of the time he had. Of the 15 books he has written, I have only explored a few.  After watching this film, I am going to put a few more on my reading list.

Oliver Sacks had a huge impact on the field of neurology.  His work helped guide it from one totally science based with no interest in the human that was suffering, to recognizing the importance of field work and observation - the personal experience. Each human being is different, so to understand their what is happening in their brain you need science AND a connection to them personally. 

If you are intrigued and want to watch Oliver Sacks: His Own Life, it can be watched for free on his website or on Amazon Prime with subscription.  His books are widely available on many sources.