Trailer

Oliver Sacks: His Own Life

Runtime
1hr 54mins
Directed by
Ric Burns
Featuring
Oliver Sacks
Body

Through our Virtual Screening Room, you can rent films curated by the Coolidge team, while helping to support the Coolidge during this unprecedented time.

A month after receiving a fatal diagnosis in January 2015, Oliver Sacks sat down for a series of filmed interviews in his apartment in New York City. For eighty hours, surrounded by family, friends, and notebooks from six decades of thinking and writing about the brain, he talked about his life and work, his abiding sense of wonder at the natural world, and the place of human beings within it. Drawing on these deeply personal reflections, as well as nearly two dozen interviews with close friends, family members, colleagues and patients, and archival material from every point in his life, this film is the story of a beloved doctor and writer who redefined our understanding of the brain and mind.

watch now

Plus, we were delighted to host a virtual Q&A with renowned surgeon, writer, and public health leader Atul Gawande, MD, MPH, who is featured in the film, and with executive director of the Oliver Sacks Foundation Kate Edgar. The conversation was moderated by Sean B. Carroll, PhD. Watch here or at the embedded video below:

Every new release we offer will be available through the individual distributor's websites and streaming services. You'll be taken to their websites to purchase and watch the film, but a portion of your ticket will help support the Coolidge. Having technical issues? Visit our FAQ page here.

Reviews
Review Text

One of the surprising and moving lessons of this revealing film is how often the most gifted people are unappreciated.

Review Author
Stephen Farber
Review Publication
Hollywood Reporter
Review Text

A deftly edited mix of archival footage, still imagery, talking-head interviews and in-the-moment narrative.

Review Author
Glenn Kenny
Review Publication
New York Times

This Week

  • Nobuhiko Obayashi’s deranged fairy tale is one of Japanese cinema’s wildest supernatural ventures and a truly startling debut feature.

     

    Showtimes
  • From Director Rose Glass comes an electric new love story.

    Showtimes
  • With unparalleled special effects, Stanley Kubrick's science fiction epic is a film that needs to be seen on the big screen in all its glory. 

    Showtimes
  • Denis Villeneuve's sequel to his Oscar winning adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal bestseller.

    Showtimes
  • Nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards, from director Wim Wenders. 

    Showtimes
  • The Third Man

    HUNTED... By a thousand men! Haunted... By a lovely girl!

     

    Showtimes
  • Based on the book If It’s Not Impossible…: The Life of Sir Nicholas Winton by Barbara Winton.

    Showtimes
  • The new horror film from Michael Mohan starring Sydney Sweeney.

    Showtimes
  • Giuseppe Tornatore pays tribute to Ennio Morricone in a moving and comprehensive documentary portrait of the composer.

    Showtimes
  • Marsha and the Positrons specialize in fun songs about science & how the world works with positive social messages! 

    Showtimes
  • Once you enter Silent Hill, there is no turning back.

    Showtimes
  • Peter Jackson brings J.R.R Tolkien's Lord of the Rings from page to screen in this epic, Academy-Award winning trilogy, in 35mm!

    Showtimes
  • Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo Marx are at their very best in their funniest and most popular film.

    Showtimes
  • Musician and Brandeis instructor James Heazlewood-Dale elucidates the musical genius of Ennio Morricone.

    Showtimes
  • With a thrilling score by composer Max Steiner (Casablanca)!

    Showtimes
  • A contemplative portrait of Ron 'Stray Dog' Hall: biker, Vietnam Vet, and lover of small dogs.

    Showtimes