Robin Williams: A Reflection

On the 11^th of August 2014, renowned comedian and actor Robin Williams tragically took his own life, proving that even the funniest individuals can suffer from depression, despite seeming happy on the outside. He gave so much laughter to the world through his work and charisma. What you’re about to read is a short reflection on the best moments of his career in film as well as a bit of personal input from me.

His greatest moments

1. Good Will Hunting: Easily the defining moment of Robin William’s career, Good Will Hunting was a brilliant coming of age story, not to mention a funny and heart-warming film in its own right. Ironically what was arguably Robin’s most serious role ended up being the film that won him his first and only Oscar. The film drew such a following that a petition for a statue of Robin to be erected at the famous bench in Boston has received over 10,000 signatures from fans.

2. Jumanji: A cult favourite amongst some of my friends, this adaptation of a Van Allsburg novel was one of the highest grossing films of 1995. While not the biggest success critically, it nonetheless elevated Williams to a higher level of prominence in the movie business, a move which made his later films that much more successful worldwide and his comedic style very recognisable to film-goers.

3. The Aladdin trilogy: From 1992 to 1996 three popular Disney films had Williams starring as the Genie in the lamp and all three times Robin dazzled children and adults everywhere with his light-hearted, yet charming performance. Releasing before Jumanji, the original Aladdin was hailed as a classic, one which really enhanced William’s reputation on the film landscape.

4. Good Morning Vietnam: Released in 1987, GMV (which follows a radio operator during the then recent war who is enjoyed by the soldiers but irritating to his superiors) was the film that really kick-started Robin’s film career. With this film, he set himself apart with many fully improvised radio sequences and won his first set of awards, including a Golden Globe for best actor in a comedy.

What I’ll remember him for

It may surprise you to learn that I never watched Aladdin when I was little. While the Genie in the lamp in Disney’s film may be William’s most celebrated role, I always think of his part as Peter Pan in the 1991 Steven Spielberg film Hook, which my little brother absolutely loved back when we first saw it. It certainly wasn’t the director’s best, but Robin nonetheless put every last drop of his comedic talent into making grown-up, business-obsessed Peter Pan one of the funniest main characters I ever saw as a child.