It’s not often that someone leaves an impression that lasts a lifetime. It’s even more uncommon that a person leaves such an impression that shapes your personality and life choices. However, it is a truly unique person that’s able to touch and influence you, possibly even lay the foundations of the path that you’re bound to take in the future, without ever meeting you. Robin Williams was such a person – for me at least.
From ‘Mork and Mindy‘ to ‘Dead Poets’ Society‘ and ‘Good Morning Vietnam‘, in an explosive style that was truly his own, he taught me (and countless others) a very valuable lesson – to ask the question ‘Why?’. He taught me that the status quo was NOT law and, more importantly, it was OK to be different – as long as you were (and believed in) yourself.
He constantly portrayed characters that didn’t quite fit in and were battling inner demons – maybe because he was battling his own. His wife, Susan Schneider said of his passing (on Aug 11 2014):
“This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one if its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken… As he is remembered, it is our hope that the focus will not be on Robin’s death but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.”
All I say is:
“O Captain, My Captain”
– 10 Robin Williams Movies that Mattered –
[divider]Good Morning Vietnam[/divider]
As an unorthodox and irreverent DJ, Williams begins to shake things up when he is assigned to the US Armed Services Radio station in Vietnam.
[divider]Alladin[/divider]
It’s not often that the titular character plays second fiddle – Robin’s Genie made Alladin do just that.
[divider]Mrs. Doubtfire[/divider]
An iconic role where William’s dresses up as an elderly woman to be close to his family.
[divider]Hook[/divider]
What happens when the boy that never wants to grow up…. grows up?
[divider]Patch Adams[/divider]
Based on a true story, William’s plays a medical student in the 70’s treats patients, illegally, using humor.
[divider]Good Will Hunting[/divider]
Williams plays a psychiatrist that helps a math prodigy, played by Matt Damon, find his way.
[divider]Jumanji[/divider]
When games come to life…
[divider]What Dreams May Come[/divider]
Williams leaves heaven to journey to Hell in search of his wife
[divider]Man of the Year[/divider]
What happens when a fake Newsman runs for president?
[divider]Dead Poets’ Society[/divider]
As English teacher John Keating, Williams inspires his students to challenge the status quo, be true to themselves and seize the day. One of my favorite movies of all time, and probably the most influential.