Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind
Robin Williams was one of the most captivating actors of all time. There are few people, that could do what he did. A true chameleon who could make you laugh, just as much as he could make you cry. Every time he was on screen you couldn't take your eyes off of him. When HBO announced they were releasing his documentary I was both nervous and excited. Nervous because I did not know if they could do his life justice. Excited because he is one of my favorite actors.
The documentary was wonderful. Just under 2hrs, the film highlights Robin Williams life through film clips, interviews, and classic footage of the actor. It had a nice balance of material, and never really became a depressing piece. Many famous actors contributed to the interviews including Billy Crystal, Steve Martin, David Letterman, and Whooopi Gholberg just to name a few. The movie seemed more of a celebration than it did a funeral, which is exactly what I was hoping for. I enjoyed looking back on some of his classic roles, as well as his stand-up/improv. I also liked learning about his background: acting education at Juliard, family upbringing, and humanitarian endeavors.
The title is perfect. You really do get a look inside the mind of Robin Williams. The director does a great job of using off-camera footage (home movies, bloopers, real-time) to illustrate a more personal side of him. It made him feel more real. He was always such a character (or many), so it was nice to see him be himself. Robin's ex-wife, family, and even Robin himself serve as voices throughout the film to further provide a picture of the comedic legend. I really enjoyed the vulnerable side of the piece.
I would not say the film was depressing. There are moments in which they discuss his abuse with drugs/alcohol, and times it was apparent Robin was struggling. As the story approaches the end of his life, you learn he suffered many health issues (heart disease, parkinson's, lewy body dementia), and it appears they may have contributed to his suicide. Although the final 10min are extremely sad (my wife cried), it did not overshadow the joy of the film. I feel it paid proper respects to his brilliance, and served as a great memorial to such an amazing soul.
Photo Credit: Variety
Rating: 4.5/5
Film Details
Title: Robin Williams: Come Inside my Mind
Release Date: July 13, 2018
Where to Watch: HBO
The documentary was wonderful. Just under 2hrs, the film highlights Robin Williams life through film clips, interviews, and classic footage of the actor. It had a nice balance of material, and never really became a depressing piece. Many famous actors contributed to the interviews including Billy Crystal, Steve Martin, David Letterman, and Whooopi Gholberg just to name a few. The movie seemed more of a celebration than it did a funeral, which is exactly what I was hoping for. I enjoyed looking back on some of his classic roles, as well as his stand-up/improv. I also liked learning about his background: acting education at Juliard, family upbringing, and humanitarian endeavors.
The title is perfect. You really do get a look inside the mind of Robin Williams. The director does a great job of using off-camera footage (home movies, bloopers, real-time) to illustrate a more personal side of him. It made him feel more real. He was always such a character (or many), so it was nice to see him be himself. Robin's ex-wife, family, and even Robin himself serve as voices throughout the film to further provide a picture of the comedic legend. I really enjoyed the vulnerable side of the piece.
I would not say the film was depressing. There are moments in which they discuss his abuse with drugs/alcohol, and times it was apparent Robin was struggling. As the story approaches the end of his life, you learn he suffered many health issues (heart disease, parkinson's, lewy body dementia), and it appears they may have contributed to his suicide. Although the final 10min are extremely sad (my wife cried), it did not overshadow the joy of the film. I feel it paid proper respects to his brilliance, and served as a great memorial to such an amazing soul.
Photo Credit: Variety
Rating: 4.5/5
Film Details
Title: Robin Williams: Come Inside my Mind
Release Date: July 13, 2018
Where to Watch: HBO
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