Almost a week on from his tragic suicide at only 63 years old, Hollywood and the rest of the film world is mourning the loss of Robin Williams. One of the most raw and funniest talents of his generation, Robin’s maniac energy and zany humour forever had us in stitches. From those of us who grew up seeing him on Mork and Mindy- we always knew he was something special. But more than just being a funny man, he could also play it straight incredibly well when required. Films such as Awakenings, The Fisher King, Insomnia and the Night Listener proved his capabilities as actor. Yes, he may have near blown things with a clutch of overly sentimental failures such as Patch Adams, Jakob the Liar and Bicentennial Man, but he has forever remained a talent dear to our hearts. No matter what issues or problems existed in his personal life, I will always choose to remember what great memories and magical moments he was capable of giving audiences. Here are my favourite five performances from RW,
Adrian Cronauer- Good Morning Vietnam
As the manic Airman Adrian Cronauer, Williams was given free reign to be hilarious and the result was him becoming the brilliant voice of the Vietnam War. From the moment he loudly utters “GOOODD MORNING VIETNAM!” you can feel the high ranking army feathers ruffle and our sides split from his eccentric routine! His casual disregard for the rules and his steadfast commitment to entertaining the troops heading into certain death means that Cronauer gives the film a mighty heart. Though at times he becomes his own worst enemy and tests the friendship of his sidekick Eddie (Forest Whitaker) with his antics, Adrian has our firm support throughout, particular for his lighthearted mocking of his bullying superior Sgt Major Dickerson (J.T Walsh) as he rightly informs him “You know…. you’re in more dire need of a blow job than any white man in history!”
One of his more iconic roles, as cross dressing Scottish nanny Mrs Doubtfire, Robin Williams found the perfect vehicle to showcase his comedic talents. His sequence of prank calls to his soon-to-be ex wife for the job advert are ones that kill the most “I AM JOB!!!” and his unique methods of inspiring the children to improve such as throwing the TV remote into the fish tank are moments that are still everlasting. Playing a divorced Dad who simply wants to be around his children, Williams doesn’t just play this role for laughs but gives a believable performance of a man wanting to better his children’s lives. Although his method is unorthodox (and probably not advisable to other Dads!) he comes away making us smile widely and is largely responsible for the giving the feel a magic feel that lasts long after the credits have rolled.
After a succession of flops, Mark Romanek’s creepy thriller elevated Williams back into the film world’s attention with a stunning yet terrifying turn as a lonely photo technician who holds a frightening obsession of a family whose pictures he develops! Through this role we were exposed to a new side of his capabilities and the end result was one that both extremely uncomfortable yet completely absorbing- the dream scene where Williams eyes begin gushing with blood is truly startling! But impressively Williams also gives a great human feel to this isolated man and shows that beneath the disturbing menace, lies a tortured man who desperately wants to feel love and acceptance.
So far as Disney character’s go, Robin Williams brought the Genie alive in Aladdin and his manic ball of energy was one of the key elements that made this movie so successful. Even today his voice still fits the role perfectly and instantly made Genie into the kind of friends/wish granter you would kill to have in real life! But what perhaps makes it so memorable is the fact the Williams improvised the bulk of his work and this effect was brought the laughs by the bucket load- in turn he voiced nearly 52 different characters! Even his singing pipes are spot in during ‘Prince Ali’ and when he croons ‘Friend Like Me’ you would be hard pressed to disagree. But also it opened the door for celebrities to do more voice work.
Sean Maguire- Good Will Hunting
This role in Gus Van Sant’s 1997 triumph rightfully bagged Williams a deserved Oscar, as Sean Maguire, Williams is probably the most quiet and sedate he has ever been in a movie, but this proved to be his most emotionally powerful. Eternally changed by his beloved wife’s premature death, his life experience makes Sean the perfect man to break down the hard resolve of troubled genius Will (Matt Damon) and the bonding between the two forms the movie’s core. The park scene where Sean with a minimum of words and pure passion cuts Will down to size and for once makes him realize that his book smarts and cocky attitude mean nothing- and unlike the pain and heart Sean has suffered, he has a long way to go! This was our first glimpse into the talents of Williams and he continued to surprise us.
RIP Robin William- You Are Forever Loved
Closer to the Edge 