Actor, director, writer, and comedian Robin Williams (1951-2014) was one of the most celebrated figures of our age. He is credited with over 100 works and has had an enormous impact on multiple generations. In honor of his enormous contributions to some of the best-known films of the last five decades, The Roar revisited and reviewed three of his most iconic works.

“Good Will Hunting” (1977) by Vi Burgess, staff reporter    

In Matt Damon’s breakout film about a mathematically gifted janitor, Will Hunting (Matt Damon), receives help from a struggling psychologist, Sean Maguire (Robin Williams) — despite their differences, the main characters mirror each other in stagnation and fear. While this is the performance that launched a thousand ships for Damon, the real prize goes to Williams, for acting the truth about fear and loss. His ability to switch from genial to angry to thoughtful to many other feelings without the sequence seeming trivial is a talent shared by precious few actors.

In addition, the supporting cast, ranging from the arrogant mathematics professor (Stellan Skarsgård) to the rich medical-student soulmate Skylar (Minnie Driver) seem like real people, not just character foils for single aspects of Will and Sean. The supporting characters fully develop both major characters, helping provide the raw emotion and realistic acting that overtake the mediocre plot. The plot, which develops the characters instead of developing an interesting story, is rather stagnant; like the characters, it grows slowly until the last final burst at the end.
“Good Will Hunting” hits close to home for the many (ahem, seniors) at crossroads in their lives, and is well worth a rewatch (or watch, if you haven’t seen this classic already) to remind yourself of Robin Williams’ artistry at bringing the fear of change to life.

“Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993)
by Haley Mitchell, staff reporter

In this coming-of-age tale we see Williams as never before, taking a leap that few other actors would. Following a bitter divorce, Daniel Hillard (Williams) seeks more time with his children after being allotted only one visitation per week. He finds the perfect opportunity when he discovers his ex-wife is in search for a nanny, and goes through a complete transformation in order to make himself the prime candidate. Nothing less than false teeth, a wig, a fat suit, major prosthetics, and a charming Scottish accent take Daniel from disgruntled daddy to Mrs. Doubtfire.
I wasn’t surprised to find out that most of the comedy from Williams was improvised, because the kind of humor you see in Mrs. Doubtfire is the kind that just can’t go on paper. The role of Mrs. Doubtfire also exercises some of Williams’ trademark talents. This lighthearted flick is both funny and inspiring, a true family film, and amidst the hilarity the characters undergo growth and development that allows for a satisfying end. It’s a heartwarming throwback to Williams as we best remember him.

“The Birdcage” (1996)
by Rachel Lamb, staff reporter

“The Birdcage” is a hilarious and touching movie about two drastically different couples whose children are getting married. Partners Armand and Albert Goldman (Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, respectively) put their feelings aside to help their son, Val (Dan Futterman) get married to a girl with ultra-religious, conservative parents who do not approve of Val’s family. While the movie has many interconnecting parts, Albert and Armand’s relationship stands out through the amazing and multi-dimensional acting of Williams and Lane. Their acting skills and ability to switch roles quickly provide entertainment that few other actors could manage. Each character’s interactions with the other actors help amplify their personalities, and the many contrasting world views each character holds and their relationships remain relevant even 18 years later.
“The Birdcage” is an amazing comedy that demonstrates how many different viewpoints can come together to create a great movie. I would highly suggest watching (or re-watching) this movie not only for the plot, but to remind yourself of the phenomenal acting skills of Robin Williams.

For a bittersweet and deeply funny interview with Robin Williams, the person, watch Charlie Rose interview him here.