Good Morning Vietnam! is how this blog began. Good morning/afternoon/evening readers, and as you may well know, this is the last of our passion blogs for CAS 138H. Bittersweet, kinda (mostly sweet).
I have spent 2-3 hours each week, for the last two months, watching a movie starring Robin Williams. I have watched movies I love, and movies I had never before seen. Each of the movies I watched has made me laugh, think, and one has even made me cry (don’t hate, Good Will Hunting gets me).
Robin Williams’ characters all came from a different background with a different family life, but all of his character’s shared one thing. An irrepressible sense of humor. A sense of humor that can lighten up the lives of everyone around it.
Though not all nine of these movies have been 4 or 5 star films, I do not regret a single second of the time I spent on this tribute to Robin Williams. I do not personally know Robin Williams. However, I highly value the joy he has brought to so many people in this world.
If the stigmatism surrounding suicide leaves you unconvinced of Robin Williams’ resolve and sense of character, I would like to share a little known fact about the comedy star I learned through my blogging research this semester. “Every time Williams was booked for an event, he required the company that hired him to also hire homeless people to fill smaller on-site positions (Radar).” No exceptions.
As I looked for words from Robin Williams to end this ultimate post, I found maybe the most fitting quote of all (Huffington Post).
Robin Williams (July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014)
Robin Williams was not perfect. He was struggling with problems deep within, hidden away from the public eye. But I do not need to keep his life in perspective for this passion blog.
I live in America. And I choose to remember you for all the funny moments you created, change you inspired, and the good that you did for those around you.
And with a Good Night, Robin Williams, is how this blog will end.
Christian James Morris says
Robin Williams is one of the most interesting personalities of film, in my opinion. He had the front of a very happy man who was immersed in comedy, but as we know now, he didn’t actually live this way. The picture you included is very insightful to how we see celebrities when they die. I do see the negative in how he lived, but I don’t necessarily see it as a con. Everyone has their trials and tribulations, and there is a lot to learn from those of Robin Williams, both in his movies and in his personal life.
Caitlin Kushnir says
I think its great that people highlight what Robin Williams gave to so many rather than what he struggle with. Sometimes, it is easy to be caught up with the negative, especially when it comes to negative. However, we all struggle. Robin’s life was cut short, but he showed us that even when you are struggling, you can improve so many lives. Thanks for your blog, and I’ve loved reading it!
Shannon Reinke says
Robin Williams will forever be remembered for being such a wonderful and hilarious human being. After his passing, a light certainly did leave this world, but through his films he will continue to live on and continue to make people smile.
Julianne Elizabeth Arcamone says
Aw what an amazing man who will definitely be missed in the acting world. From Jumanji to Mrs. Doubtfire to Aladin he was a talent that wore many hats in his career. Suicide is so heartbreaking and something that can be prevented. It goes to show you that even successful and seemingly happy people can be suffering from something that others don’t even realize. I hope that his story can reach others who are suffering and hopefully shed some light on depression and other factors that lead so many down this tragic path.
Pratiti Roy says
What a great way to end this semester. I can’t think of anything else I can add that would properly express the admiration I have for Robin Williams, so I think I’ll just echo your sentiment: Good Night, Robin Williams.