I woke up Monday morning to a wave of social media and news reports informing me that a true legend had passed, someone who I grew up watching and loved in pretty much everything he did. My heart broke a little and I cried for someone I had never met. I cried not because I felt I had lost someone but because of the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss of life. Robin Williams (apparently, I have to say this as nothing has been confirmed in the media yet) committed suicide after suffering for years with crippling depression. My heart broke at the thought that someone with such talent, presence and impact on the world of film and further afield felt he had no other choice than to take his own life. It makes it very clear that fame, money and success, do not a happy man make.
As someone who has suffered with depression, I feel that this is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues that most people are afraid to talk about. Many are afraid to admit it, even to themselves. Robin Williams, sought treatment for his issues but still couldn't beat his own demons and that is soul destroying, to know that this disease can push people to such drastic choices. A friend of mine posted this article from The Guardian which I think is worth reading and sharing as it makes some extremely valid points - http://goo.gl/uyPgqA
I have spent my lifetime watching Robin Williams in films and on TV and I am truly devastated that we will see no more work from this great actor and comedy legend.
So, today I am posting my top 5 favourite Robin Williams films:
Some of the children on the ward in this film were actual cancer patients and Williams and the crew worked closely with the Make-a-Wish Foundation to grant wishes to children undergoing treatment. I loved this film, I know it was slammed by critics and rotten tomatoes has got a total of 23% but I thought it was very heartfelt (and as my regular readers may know, I love a good weepy!!)
This is such a different film, although I have only recently been informed that it is adapted from a book which I may now read. I still fiercely dislike Kirsten Dunst's character in it, as I have since the first time I watched it but I still love it regardless. I remember seeing it at the cinema and being terrified of the lion (still true today!) but this has serious childhood nostalgia for me, might have to watch it again soon in honour.
Who didn't think the Genie was the best character in Aladdin? In fact, he pretty much stole the show!! I am a great lover of Disney films, but this is actually one of my least favourites, if it wasn't for the Genie and Apu, I probably would have never watched it more than once!
"Ooooh I don't like boys, I used to be one" - One of my favourite lines from this film. You laughed, you cried, you sang along and you know all the best lines off by heart. Mrs Doubtfire, I'm not sure anyone could say they didn't like this film (although only got 71% on Rotten Tomatoes!). If you haven't seen it, see it. If you have seen it, see it again.
This is the story of Jack, a 10 year old boy who has an aging disorder so appears to age 4 times faster, therefore has the look of a 40 year old man. After years of home schooling, Jack chooses to go to public school and learns the joys of making friends and the heartbreak of the real world. Williams plays a 10 year old perfectly and although starts out as a comedy becomes quite a serious and emotional drama that I found stuck with me for a long time. Yes it's predictable and the jokes are obvious but I love it.
I haven't seen many of Robin Williams serious films, hence why my top five is full of comedies and kids films but I will be digging through the archives and make a point of watching his more serious work.
ARGH!! I have just finished this post and I was literally about to click 'publish' and I realised not only had I missed a film out but I missed a film out that is by far my all time favourite Robin Williams movie (and a childhood great!) so this one is getting a special mention!!
Hook - what a film, full of childhood nostalgia for me a really great film. The acting is great (if you discount the children and the lost boys whose acting is questionable!) and the story is so clever. Peter Pan was one of my moms favourite films and to have a sort of sequel was amazing as a kid (back when you wanted every film you loved to have a sequel even if there was no story to carry it, you just wanted to see the lovebirds get married and live happily ever after!). Dustin Hoffman was terrifying as Hook and Robin Williams reminded you how much you loved Peter Pan. I love that they moved forward with Tinkerbell's character, giving her dialogue and a likeable personality of her own. Would watch this over and over again and never get bored.
Beautiful post, and I love how this one highlights his lighter films because it really reminds me why my childhood self loved him so dearly! I think I want to cry again. Jack!!!! UGH!!!! That movie was so close to my heart when I was a kid. Half of me wants to have a Robin Williams marathon, and the other half of me knows that I'd be a freaking mess.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I was very emotional when I heard. I desperately want to have a Robin Williams Kids Movie Marathon BUT as with you I would be a sobbing mess, particularly in the final scenes of Jack....Waaaahhhhh!!! - Jenna
DeleteExcellent post. Robin Williams was an outstanding actor and comic, his movies often made the audience laugh, cry or forget what was troubling them. It's sad to see him share all this joy with the public and yet he was going through this massive depression issue.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I find it quite scary how someone who is so happy and full of life on the outside can be suffering so much on the inside. It just shows how much you don't really know people from the way they are in public!! - Jenna
DeleteGreat post. It's nice to see at least one of us focusing on his lighter stuff.
ReplyDeleteAdmittedly, I am focusing on the lighter stuff because I haven't seen much of his serious work, One Hour Photo and What dreams may come, really being the only two I have seen. I am now determined to watch his more 'grown up' work!! - Jenna
DeleteNice tribute here. It really is a tragic loss, and, also dealing with depression myself, it's one that especially hits close to home. That said, while I do feel that it's time to really raise awareness on the topic of depression and suicide, I've found myself mostly speechless during this particular period. However, while browsing through various articles and tributes, I did stumble across one particular blog that approaches the subject in such striking accuracy that I've been sharing it all around, in hopes that those who don't personally deal with this sort of thing can perhaps understand. Here's the link, which I'd recommend giving a read, though it is certainly a long one: http://namebrandlindsay.com/2014/08/12/why-some-peoples-minds-try-to-kill-them/
ReplyDeleteBut yes, Robin Williams really was a man who brought so much joy to so many. I grew up with those movies you listed, and still regularly put on Hook to this day (LOVE that movie!).
I agree, as someone in a similar position, I think this should be taken as an opportunity to highlight these 'taboo' issues and encourage more people to speak up and consider help. It's not a sign of weakness, it's usually more a sign that you've been 'faking it' for too long! I will definitely have a look at that blog, thanks for the link. - Jenna
DeleteLovely post Jenna. I too was shocked when I heard the news and even more so when I heard the way he left us. I love that you highlighted the films that mattered to you. He definitely shone in comedies, tho he was quite effective as a villain as well, a testament to his versatility. My fave roles of his are Dead Poets Society (a serious role but certainly has its comic moments) and Mrs Doubtfire. Oh how he will be missed ...
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