Reminiscing about Robin
“Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” is one of the last chances we’ll have to see the late Robin Williams on the big screen in a new film (he had a voice role in “Absolutely Anything,” which will be released in 2015). Of course, everyone remembers him in such defining roles as “Good Will Hunting,” “Patch Adams,” “Good Morning, Vietnam,” and “Mrs. Doubtfire.” But here’s a reminder of some memorable work in five lesser known roles.
“Insomnia”
(2002) Williams’ Walter Finch fulfilled the creepy potential many of us always believed he possessed by playing the role like a tightly pulled string, ready to snap.
“What Dreams May Come”
(1998) Though this film is not even close to being one of his best, it’s hard not to feel Williams’ searing emotional pain as he searches the afterlife for his dead wife.
“Aladdin”
(1992) If you needed one film to summarize Williams’ maniacal energy and boundless exuberance, this is it. And that’s only his voice at work as the Genie.
“Hook”
(1991) An underrated (and, yes, a bit thick) adventure in which Williams manages to master each end of the maturity spectrum — from crotchety, overworked dad prioritizing career over kids, to … well, Peter Pan.
“The World According to Garp”
(1982) Williams first big splash on the big screen, “Garp” was ahead of its time in tackling a wide range of subjects and the drama, emotions and joy they all offer. It surprised a lot of people who wondered if Williams could handle a role more complicated than a wacky space alien.
— Contact Tony Hicks at Facebook.com/BayAreaNews Group.TonyHicks or Twitter.com/tonyhicks67.
