Robin Williams breathe's unique life into some of hollywood's most bizarre and engaging characters. Some of his roles have been a little too much for me (like Toys, or Jakob the Liar).But thinking about Williams' role in the upcoming film August Rush, I've got Robin Williams on the brain.
So, here's it is...
My Top 5 favorite Robin Williams Roles.
1. John Keating, Dead Poets Society
2. Genie, Aladdin
3. Sean Maguire, Good Will Hunting
4. Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire, Mrs. Doubtfire
5. Parry, The Fisher King
Related Tags: Robin Williams, Movies
16 comments:
As is always the case when two people exchange ideas, I have some agrees and disagrees. Dead Poets Society is one of my least favorite movies of all time because of it's message that teachers should indoctrinate rather than educate. I never liked Mrs. Doubtfire, either. The Fisher King and Good Will Hunting are both good, though. However, my favorite two Williams performances are drama rather than comedy. Have you seen One Hour Photo or Insomnia? Both great films with outstanding, "edgy," dramatic performances by Williams.
His role in Good Will Hunting is def. my favorite. If nothing else, I can always excpect to be entertained when I see a film he is in (comedy or drama).
I'm surprised you didn't mention your avatar...
I've never been able to get Robin Williams. He's one of those actors that simply annoy me whenever they're on screen.
However, there were two films of his that I really liked, neither of which made the cut for you. I liked him in Good Morning Vietman, and I'm with Darrell on Insomnia. I never saw One Hour Photo... maybe I should.
Dead Poets Society was a milestone film for me, and my favourite for a number of years. I'd count it as my favourite Williams role. I can't say he's my favourite actor, though, and I generally prefer him playing serious. He was very funny in Mrs. Doubtfire.
My list of 5:
1. Dead Poets Society
2. Good Will Hunting
3. Mrs. Doubtfire
4. Aladdin
5. One Hour Photo
I agree he wasn't too bad in Insomnia, though the film was nothing special.
This does show how people can disagree. I think my favourite Williams role would be Parry in The Fisher King, the Genie in Aladdin, John Keating in Dead Poet's Society, Chris Nielsen in What Dreams May Come, and Will Dormer in Insomnia. Strangely enough, though he made his name as a comedian, I prefer him in dramas.
I'm actually quite surprised you didn't mention RV or The Birdcage! Ok, so I'm not. I'm totally with you on Good Will Hunting & Dead Poets Society.
I agree with most of your five, but Good Will Hunting has to be at the top. I actually just rewatched that movie last week because I like it so much. Then, I have to replace The Fisher King with What Dreams May Come.
darrell, i have seen both insominia and one hour photo...the creepy/edgy performance of one hour is top notch...definitly an honorable mention to my top 5.
kludge, interesting observation! what dreams may come is definitly another honorable mention. williams performance is not as "top notch" as some of his other performances...visual effects make what dreams may come. i chose this as an avatar not because it's a ubber-favorite film, but because the interplay between faith and pop culture is one of my primary interest.
jim, i can understand how williams could annoy you...it has to be the right role...like paul and mercurie say, the right serious role often is best for him.
i'm actually surprised, in terms of comedy that no one is arguing for other comedic performances other than than two I included, Mrs. Doubtfire & Aladdin. Is there no Patch Adams lovers out there?
Also, a runner-up for me that hasn't been mentioned, either is his role in Hook.
And even his small role in Branagh's Hamlet is enjoyable.
You're right AK...no mention of RV.
I really liked his performance in The World According to Garp.
For me, "Good Morning Vietnam" and "Dead Poets Society" are right up there at the top of the list, followed closely by "One Hour Photo", "Aladdin" and "Good Will Hunting".
The most amazing Williams performance I have seen was when I was in the US a few years ago and watched some stand-up comedy with him. I think it was one or two hours non-stop. He was sweating like a pig, drinking water to keep hydrated, and telling jokes machine-gun style. They were so smart, and so quick that by the time you'd registered one punch-line, he was already three jokes ahead of you. Amazing talent.
The beauty of his serious acting is that it messes with your expectations. Same with Jim Carrey, Steve Martin (even Woody Allen in parts of Hannah and Her Sisters, which I've just seen).
And no one has mentioned awakenings, which was a better than average movie in which Williams turned in an understated performance. Robert DeNiro didn't hurt. Neither did Penolope Ann Miller, come to think of it. She's cute, or she was 17 years ago.
I forgot all about Awakenings. It is definitely one of his best performances. And he is so understated in that film.
I liked him the best in "Mork and Mindy". We just happen to see it being filmed on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder when Robin Williams was an unknown, we just watched in amazement this crazy guy...he has only gotten better.
M
patch adams?
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