It may be hard to believe, but it has already been two years since Robin Williams died. Watching his movies made us truly understand what it was like to be moved by emotion, be it happiness or sadness. Here's a look at some his most memorable characters, and the warmth he brought to each of them.
Good Morning, Vietnam - Adrian Cronauer
It was his big break. And it was a war movie. The Vietnam war has supporters and detractors, but this film took up the tale of an individual in the American Army, who witnesses firsthand the terrors of war, and yet manages to be a morale booster to countless soldiers for whom that may be the last thing they hear. Robin Williams is not just brilliant as Adrian Cronauer, the wise-cracking Army radio DJ, but effortlessly puts forth a performance that moves you.
The Fisher King - Parry/Henry Sagan
In The Fisher King , Robin Williams plays a professor who creates a make-believe world after his wife is killed in a shootout unknowingly instigated by Jeff Bridges’ character. It may have been easy for Williams to draw on his clowny accents, as shown in Good Morning Vietnam, or Mrs. Doubtfire. Instead, he digs deep and brings to the fore agonising sadness, pain and insecurities. It is often said that the mentally ill are caricatured in cinema, but Williams delivers in the role of a mirthful made-up character that keeps him afloat amidst all the loss he has seen.
Aladdin - Genie
The story of Aladdin would be impossible without Genie. The storyline is simple, Aladdin, is in love with a princess but cannot marry her without help of magic, he then finds genie inside a magic lamp. Genie transforms him into a prince, although there are many obstacles in his way which he overcomes with the help of genie. Robin Williams’ voiceover brings life to the character, which made genie memorable. He is funny, he is witty, and he is magical.
P.S. Did you know that Williams wasn’t initially sold on the idea of Genie? The character’s supervising animator, Eric Goldberg convinced Williams by doing a rough animation of Genie snyced to one of Robin Williams’ stand-up acts. The rest, as they say, is history.
Watch Goldberg narrate his experience of making Williams laugh here:
Mrs. Doubtfire - Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire
A part of the American Film Institute’s list of 100 of America’s Funniest Movies, Mrs. Doubtfire saw Williams don the role of a divorcee struggling to connect with his kids — in the costume of a woman. Williams’ make-up that transformed him into the kindly housekeeper/babysitter Mrs. Doubtfire alone took four hours to apply. The movie bagged the Best Makeup oscar as well as a Golden Globe for Best Actor for Williams.
There were plans for a sequel, but they kept getting shelved due to the lack of a good script. However, when the plans began to take shape in 2014, Williams’ untimely death led to the sequel being cancelled permanently.
Watch the power of make-up transforming Willams’ character into a woman here:
Jumanji - Alan Parrish
Williams plays the part of Alan Parrish who gets sucked into a board game at the age of 12 — and is released some 25 years later. “I’ve never shaved before,” he says in childish wonder, after Parrish is released and is suitably groomed and dressed, in what is one of the funniest sequences in the film. Jumanji is Williams at the peak of his career and a definite must-watch for fans.
Good Will Hunting - Dr. Sean Maguire
Good Will Hunting , the movie that got him prestigious Academy Award for best supporting actor. Popularly known for his comic timing, Williams brought in a lot of depth to his character Dr. Sean Maguire, a psychology professor. Dr. Sean Maguire helps Will Hunting, played by Matt Damon, use his genius mathematical skills in right direction.
Happy Feet - Ramon
If you thought a movie about tap-dancing emperor penguins deep in the heart of Antarctica would be right up Williams’ alley… you would be right. Williams’ Ramon — who led the Adelie Amigos group that the lead character runs into — is just the right mix of mad and lovable. And of course, the singing and the adorkable spanish accent. Who would not want that?
Watch Robin Williams singing Frank Sinatra’s 'My Way' in Spanish here:
The Crazy Ones - Simon Roberts
It was his comeback to TV after the hilarious Happy Days spin-off Mork & Mindy . Robin Williams played a fictionalised adman, and plays off beautifully with the ensemble cast. The cancellation of this show came three months before his death, and that, sometimes, makes it even harder to watch. The show itself had very few redeeming points, the biggest of them being Williams himself. His hyperactive comedy, stuffed to the gills with improv shined throughout the first and only season of the show.
Dead Poets Society - John Keating
In Dead Poets Society , Williams is a passionate teacher with a love for English poetry who would go to any lengths to make his students understand the charm of the language. With his landmark sense of humour and twinkling eyes, he wins over the students and the audience’ hearts as well. In one of the fantastic scenes in the movie, the students stand up on the bench to pay their tributes to their teacher with Oh Captain, My Captain. The film bagged an Oscar for Best Screenplay and Robin Williams was nominated for Best Actor as well.
