“O’ Captain, my Captain. You’ve gone too soon.”
Today is perhaps the saddest day for all who grew up watching Robin Williams’ movies. The world is still in shock over his tragic death and many of us had hoped that this was just one of the ridiculous death hoaxes on the Internet.
Robin Williams, who died at the age of 63, has played so many unforgettable roles in yesteryears’ movies, so much so that he is now one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. From voicing the Genie in Disney’s “Aladdin” to being the absent-minded professor in “Flubber”, he has proven that he is a brilliant, versatile actor who can make a transition from one movie role to another.
In honour of the comedy legend, check out some of his most memorable roles that have been engraved in our minds forever.
1. Mrs. Doubtfire
Robin Williams first proved that he is an actor with versatility when he transformed himself into a Scottish nanny in the film, “Mrs Doubtfire”. The story mainly focuses on his portrayal of Daniel Hillard, who dubbed voices for cartoon characters, and is forced to disguise himself as a female housekeeper to spend time with his children held in custody by his former wife.
Through this film role, he gave an outstanding performance with tainted personalities and the film went on to earn him various awards including American Comedy Award, Golden Globe Award, MTV Movie Award, and Blimp Award.
2. Good Morning Vietnam
Robin Williams claimed his title as the comedy legend through various memorable movie roles in his film history. His portrayal of the radio DJ Adrian Cronauer in “Good Morning Vietnam” is certainly one of the film roles that fully showcased his wonderful talent through his comedic skills. At that time, the plot of the film is something new and refreshing for most of the audience but it is certainly not forgettable. The film has even earned him a Golden Globe Award as well as an Academy Award nomination for “Best Actor”.
3. Jumanji
“Jumanji” is a film that has been etched in our minds forever as it explores the fantasy world that stemmed from a simple but magical board game. Robin Williams played Alan Parrish, a man who grew up in the world of Jumanji, who wins his release from 2 kids after being trapped in the magical board game for 26 years. However, he is forced to finish the game again to stop animals in the Jumanji world from running into the real world. Throughout the entire film, his comedic skills managed to turn the film into pure solid entertainment for a family-genre film.
4. One Hour Photo
In one sentence: A thought-provoking film that shows how the society can be unaware of the evil that surrounded them since early life. Robbie Williams once again proved his versatility in acting as he transitioned from his usual comedic role to a lonely psychopath in the film. In the film, Robin Williams plays Sy the photo technician who has helped a family develop and print their pictures for years. However, the event took a twisted turn when Sy discovered the husband’s affair and decided to threaten them with the photos.
This is perhaps the most haunting role that he has ever taken but it is absolutely heart-breaking to watch his role go from a likeable character to a sad, pathetic man with tragic ending.
5. Aladdin
One of our favourite Disney’s classics, “Aladdin”, engaged Robin Williams to voice over Genie. It was a role that was specifically written for him. Through this film, he improvised most of the Genie’s traits and personalities as the Genie can turn himself into anything he pleases. Due to his force of nature in comedy, Genie is now served as a comic relief in most of the Aladdin franchises.
6. Hook
Sure, Robin Williams may be a little too old to be Peter Pan but his portrayal of Peter Pan is one of the best we’ve ever seen! In the film, Robin Williams plays the grown-up Peter Pan who left Neverland and became Peter Banning, a professional businessman that has married Wendy’s granddaughter in the real world.
However, he was forced to be the young Peter Pan again after his arch enemy Captain Hook (played by Dustin Hoffman) kidnapped his children to the Neverland. Together with Dustin Hoffman, both actors delivered stunning performances that managed to convince the audience of the reincarnation of Peter Pan.
7. Dead Poets Society
“Dead Poets Society” is one of the best coming-of-age films that taught us to appreciate the beauty of poems and changed the way we think about the world. Robin Williams plays an English teacher, John Keating, who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry. The film never failed to amaze us as his role embodies every respectable teacher that taught us to think out of the ordinary. It is also the film where we get to watch Robin Williams in his most inspiring character with passion and emotions that moved us to tears.
Most importantly, he reminded us, “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”
We may not be able to list out all the great films he had done but there’s no denying the fact we’ve just lost a great Hollywood actor.
Thank you for all the great movies, Robin Williams. We will remember you always.
