There will be many articles written very soon, if not already, about the career of Robin Williams. I am not writing a comprehensive breakdown of his storied career. I’ll leave that to others. Needless to say, his life on the silver screen was an amazing one.
For someone who follows movies as closely as I do and love them like I do, my reaction to these unexpected and tragic deaths are difficult to describe. On Super Bowl Sunday this year, I had a similar feeling with Philip Seymour Hoffman. The details of both deaths were both shocking, but again – others will focus on that. Not me.
This blog serves as an outlet for my stream of consciousness thoughts and when thinking about Mr. Williams’ passing – here’s what has been most prevalent in my mind tonight:
I grew up with Robin Williams. Movies like Hook and Mrs. Doubtfire were released in my younger years. During this time frame, perhaps his most brilliant work came in Aladdin.
When Robin Williams came up in movie conversations with friends, my go to line was usually: “I like him even better in dramatic roles.” This is true. Truth be told, the greatest comedians are very often the greatest actors. You see it with Eddie Murphy. And Bill Murray. And you saw it with Robin Williams. Good Will Hunting, The Fisher King, Dead Poets Society, Awakenings, One Hour Photo, Insomnia…
If you’re a movie lover and a fan of Robin Williams but know him mostly for only comedic work – I implore you to watch those films listed above.
Robin Williams was an icon and has been for some time. He was the final sit down guest on Johnny Carson’s show. He could star in mega-blockbuster comedies and then go dramatic and win an Oscar. His stand-up comedy and appearances on Carson and Letterman are legendary. From TV to film to the Broadway stage to the comedy club stage – he did it all and so often exceled at it.
A word I’ve heard a lot on the news tonight is Joy. So true. He brought a lot of it to audiences. A whole lot. Much will be speculated on how someone who brought so much joy to others apparently didn’t experience it himself in the end. The only thing to say about that, in my mind, was said tonight by Jimmy Kimmel: “If you’re sad, tell someone.” Great advice.
Robin Williams was a performer who could make audiences feel the whole range of emotions we experience as filmgoers. He’ll be truly missed.
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