I was so shocked and saddened by the news of Robin Williams' passing earlier this week. At first, I was in disbelief, hoping it was one of those sick hoaxes that pops up occasionally. When the news was confirmed by multiple sources, it was as if a part of my childhood suddenly vanished. It is a real tragedy that Williams felt that he could no longer influence the world with his infectious spirit, and was overwhelmed by his depression. My most sincere condolences go out to his friends and family that he has left behind. No one will miss him more than them. Luckily for myself, and for the rest of the world, my childhood did not vanish; we still have his great body of work that will last far beyond his years. It is in this spirit of remembrance and celebration of life that I wish to highlight 5 of my favorite Robin Williams films:
5) Dead Poets Society
4) Mrs. Doubtfire
Video: Mrs. Doubtfire cooking
Mrs. Doubtfire will undoubtedly remain as one of Williams' best comedic performances. What makes the film so special is Williams' natural ability to make audiences laugh one minute, and in the next, bring on the emotion with his complete sincerity. The film touches on the issues of children coping with divorce as well as parents, and the film really excels at showing that some couples really are better off apart and can still be good parents to their children. But let's face it, this movie was built on Williams and his enormous talent.
3) Aladdin
Video: Genie transforms Aladdin
Disney had already begun its renaissance with hit films like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, but Disney decided to bring on a well-known personality to voice the Genie in Aladdin. Today, we often associate famous actors with voicing main roles in animated films, but this was a rarity when Aladdin was released. A major part of Aladdin's success was, in part, due to Robin Williams as the Genie. He improved a large part of his dialogue that made the Genie all Robin Williams. What was completely unexpected was that Williams and the writers were not satisfied with the Genie being merely the comic relief; he had to have a heart, too. The Genie dazzled us, made us laugh, and made us cry. That was what Robin was best at.
2) Hook
Video: Hook - Insults at dinner
No one would've guessed that Robin Williams would be the perfect fit for an incarnation of Peter Pan in Steven Spielberg's Hook, and what was more, Williams plays a stuffy lawyer with no sense of imagination for a good chunk of the movie. As Peter Banning goes to Neverland to rescue his kids from the villainous Captain Hook, Peter will remember what it means to be happy, and to remember what it's like to be a kid again, but also a father. I can't believe that this childhood favorite received mixed reviews from critics. I love everything about it, including Williams' ability to make us all believe that he is the Pan. "I believe in you, Peter."
1) Good Will Hunting
This is one of Williams' more serious roles, for which he won his only Oscar, but it is one of the most moving performances captured on screen, and a personal favorite of mine. The writing is nothing short of brilliant by Damon and Affleck, especially in the above scene, but it really is Robin Williams who brings the words to life with his subtle and effortless delivery. His character breaks down Will's (Damon) high defensive walls with a sledge hammer and cuts him (and us) right to the core. I wish we could have seen more roles like this from Williams in his later years, but as a film fan, I am so thankful for him sharing his tremendous talents with us these past few decades. We really have been able to see something pretty special. Thank you, Robin. As a child and adult, I thank you.
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