I think at a time when the world is simultaneously being plagued by grave problems; a war in Israel, an Ebola viral outbreak in Africa, blowed up passenger flights and airplanes gone missing over regions in strife, and a so called "Islamic State" that has taken religious fundamentalism to an altogether new realm , I wonder what can save the world?
Hope. Maybe. But surely humor. And then this news of Robbin Williams, one of the best comedians/actors of our times, reported dead, after committing suicide at his residence. He had apparently been dealing with substance abuse and depression for a long time.But when I remember him, as the funny guy with a big mouth and long nose and an insanely sunny and hopeful disposition, I simply cannot reconcile this fact to his screen persona. People like Williams are supposed be the ones that make countless people laugh and cry at the same time. No wonder, the world is shocked at this news, and millions of fans mourn for a man who embodied fun , humor and joy on the silver screen.
He was one of those really nice actors who could come up with just about anything at the spur of the moment and draw you in and make you laugh, and as I said earlier, cry, with the same intensity. Although he has starred in many movies, the closest to my heart are :
The Bicentennial Man:
The movie strikes a chord, especially in the current context as more of us are succumbing to a "robotic" lifestyle, whereas this guy here was built a robot, but gradually imbued human talents and values and was accorded the status of a "human" on his death bed.
Dead Poet's Society:
Perhaps my favorite movie of his. Portraying the role of an unconventional English teacher, John Keating, at a boarding school for adolescent boys in this coming-of-age tale, he will best be remembered for his inspiring teachings, and his "Seize the day, Carpe diem " speech. And of course, as he is expelled from school for his radical methods, the scene where his students entreat him, from Walt Whitman's classic poem, "Oh Captain, my Captain!!"
Takes me back to those days when I saw these movies and marveled at the emotions they could make us go through.
Patch Adams:
Another great movie, with Williams winning the hearts of all his patients as much with his optimism, wit and jokes as his medical expertise. A friend from Turkey said that some Med schools there screen this movie for novice doctors before they really begin to treat patients. Also, it is one of those Robin Williams movies that make you cry and cry for the sheer emotions he evokes.
Good Will Hunting:
Of course, who can forget the role that finally fetched him the Oscar in a Best Supporting role. His role was that of the school psychiatrist who empathizes and inspires the troubled yet gifted mathematician played by the handsome and talented Matt Damon.
And finally, Mrs Doubtfire:
No one could've better played the role of the broke, desperate father trying to reconnect to his three children after he divorces his wife,by dressing in drag as the capable nanny, "Mrs Doubtfire". Hilarious, sensitive and pure fun to watch, this was one of those movies that one can watch again and again without ever getting bored.
We will miss you, Robin Williams. You had so much more to offer. Yet, your legacy will stay on forever, bringing smiles and laughter to all your fans.
