The very few faces of Robin Williams

Despite a moderately sincere belief (thanks to Jon Stewart) that a comedian could actually do a decent job as president, I can't muster any enthusiasm for Man of the Year. The fault lies with the movie's star. Robin Williams has three distinct gears, and while I've enjoyed some of the movies he's done in each style, he's overplayed two of them to such a degree that I can only stomach the third.

The worst transgressions have come in the realm of treacle, where Williams' dewy-eyed, overly-earnest character oozes sadness and warmth over all who approach. Patch Adams, What Dreams May Come, and Hook are among the most desperate examples.

The second style pleased me as a kid, but requires more patience than I currently possess. That would be "manic" Williams. The chattery, all-over-the place, "funny" voice style works well for the genie from Aladin, but is too much to take in live roles like Death to Smoochie, Mrs. Doubtfire, and just about any public appearance he ever makes.

Where Williams really shines is when he plays quietly intense and more than little bit creepy. I'll take films like Insomnia and One Hour Photo any day over another rechanneling of Mork.

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[ READER COMMENTS ]

1. 1

   Jippers said:

   I agree this 'man of the year' movie looks like coffee-table dogcrap. But Williams is extremely talented and perhaps he's at his best when doing stand-up comedy which doesn't pay him hollywood dollars, unfortunately.

   Posted at 01:33 PM, on October 19 2006

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