MovieChat Forums > Good Morning, Vietnam (1988) Discussion > The best cinematic testament to Williams...

The best cinematic testament to Williams' career?


Williams was an amazing stand-up comedian but focusing simply on his film career what film would you say best encapsulates Williams' talent/genius?

He gave a superb, heartfelt and deservedly Oscar-winning performance in 'Good Will Hunting', he demonstrated his range and capacity to play 'bad' or at least disturbed in 'One Hour Photo' and 'Insomnia', he's consistently hilarious in 'Mrs. Doubtfire' and 'Dead Poets Society' is one of his most powerful films and features one of his most poignant characters. However, as a testament to both his skills as a improv comedian, which is often hard to translate onto film, and as a special actor I'd choose 'Good Morning, Vietnam' as the film that best displays his unique brilliance. The very naturalistic scene where he's joking with the GIs/fans as they're being transported to the war-front perfectly captures Williams' ability to connect with his audience. You really feel that the extras in that scene are not simply performing but genuinely responding to Williams energy and wit.

It will take a long while to get to grips with the nature of Williams' death but thank goodness we'll always have these great performances and films as a document to his genius.

RIP Robin Williams

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Thinking about your question hard, i'd have to say that his performance as Adrian Cronauer is tied with his performance as Parry in 'The Fisher King'.

Both characters are polar opposites yet show us Robin's amazing ability to take a sad situation and yet make it somehow interesting. And both movies are awesome.

He deserved the Oscar for both these characters.

Although i found the romance portion of GMV more appealing than the romance portion in Fisher King.

KILLER TORNADOES IN THE MIDWEST. MOST PEOPLE TAKE SHELTER BUT YOU EFFERS GO OUTSIDE WITH CAMERAS.-Robin Williams

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Agreed 100%. This film is William's magnum opus.

when will then be now?

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