In tribute to the late great actor and comedic tour de force that was, and still remains Robin Williams, I thought it only right (once encouraged by my dear beautiful friend Zara) to take a brief look back at what I feel are the great man's best moments on our screens, and the best characters he brought to life.
No stars, no rating systems or scores; just me giving my take on some of my favourite Robin Williams moments. But of course, no words are good enough, mine or otherwise. If you want to witness the truly magnificent glory that is Robin Williams then I urge you to watch his work, any at all really. For only then will you appreciate why he is for me and for so many others, a truly legendary man, as almost every time he will put a smile on your face, bring a tear to your eye, and warmth to your heart...
DEAD POET'S SOCIETY (1989)
Dramatic, comedic, lightening, inspirational, heart-warming and heart-breaking. For any who remained unconvinced, Dead Poet's Society convinced the world over what a star Robin Williams was, and what sheer amounts of talent he had to give.
In several senses the film was an ensemble piece, featuring a glittering cast both youthful and more mature. Yet there is no doubt at all that Robin Williams was the effortless and consummate jewel in this highly acclaimed film's crown. As Professor John Keating he inspired a group of repressed school students to aspire to greatness through the use of poetry and literature. A resoundingly simple yet individual concept that made for an astonishingly resonating and unique film. Robin Williams gave us moments of sheer joyous light, as well as dramatic dark, all wonderfully wrapped up in the form of John Keating. To this day, Dead Poet's Society is thought to show off one of his best performances, and I am mightily inclined to agree. Timeless, classic; a wonderful film, and a wonderful performance from Robin Williams.
HOOK (1991)
Hook is as old as me, and it is a film I am always happy to come back to again and again. Panned by critics almost universally (even its director the great Steven Spielberg was retrospectively skeptical) it is still one of my favourite films full stop, let alone one of my favourite Robin Williams appearances.
To me Robin Williams excels at being a highly-strung middle-aged Peter Pan who is forced back into Neverland to save his children and confront the fact that he actually did grow up. Unlike Dead Poets, I do feel that Hook is more of an ensemble state of affairs; the cast featuring a superb Maggie Smith as Wendy, a young Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell, an uncanny Smee from Bob Hoskins, and a ludicrously brilliant Dustin Hoffman as Hook himself. Nevertheless Robin Williams shines just as brightly in this many-jeweled casting crown. In this film he is Peter Pan, and again his characterization, emotive range, chemistry created and believability are so perfect that I never ever once start to question his performance. Once again, the great man did deliver, and still continues to do so every time I re-watch Hook.
ALADDIN (1992)
Indeed it is a true Disney classic, and for a lot of good reasons, but yet again Robin Williams steals the show in glorious fashion, this time just through the power of his voice alone. I defy any comedian or comic actor to get anywhere near attempting the sheer dazzling plethora of cracking one-liners, different voices and multiple character riffs that the Genie comes out with in Aladdin.
To immortalize yourself on screen is one thing, but to immortalize just your voice with an animated character like the Genie (not forgetting the Narrator/Merchant also) is simply inspired, yet for Robin Williams not surprising. Again if you have any doubts about the man's ability, as an actor or a comedian, you simply have to sit down and watch Aladdin. Though I adored this film as a child, I thought momentarily that the magic might have waned. Thankfully having re-watched it recently, I can say that thanks to Robin Williams' Genie, the magic is still there in spades.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE (1993)
Ah yes, Mrs. Doubtfire...for many the quintessential film that shows Robin Williams doing what he does best. What more can I say? Man loves his kids and wife, man gets divorced and can't see kids as much, man invents a new identity and turns to transvestism and latex masks to become an ageing housekeeper to keep connected to his family - AKA Mrs. Doubtfire.
Actually thinking about it, in any other hands this film could have been potentially awful. Yet in the hands of Mr. Robin Williams, Mrs. Doubtfire became a timeless cinematic icon. A beautiful mix again of sheer genius hilarity and raw dramatic emotion, all delivered effortlessly by a great actor. Joyous, cheeky, hilarious and charming, there is no way at all anyone could fail to love Mrs. Doubtfire; both the film and the masterful character Robin Williams creates and inhabits to a tee.
BICENTENNIAL MAN (1999)
This is probably my most obscure Robin Williams great, but it is also potentially my most favourite. Bicentennial Man sees him take on the role of Andrew, a mass-produced Android with a unique sense of heart, humour and what it means to be human. Though it is shot and presented in quite a light, airy and potentially comedic fashion, this film is laced with incredibly pure and wonderfully performed human moments, and Robin Williams just beautifully becomes this truly remarkable character. What's more you stick with him throughout every second of the plot with rapt and enamored attention.
In an ever-changing and ever-evolving-story line, Robin Williams as Andrew remains the truly resonating, wonderful and resounding constant to perfect effect. Though it is hardly necessary, the glory that is Robin Williams is well and truly confirmed for me in Bicentennial Man, and yet again it is a film I am always happy to come back to and enjoy anew.
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