Post by StevePulaski on Jul 31, 2018 11:12:15 GMT -5
Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind (2018)
Directed by: Marina Zenovich
Directed by: Marina Zenovich
Rating: ★★★½
The domain of the human mind is a fascinating concept. If only psychology, or, as I humorously think of it, thinking about thinking, didn't prompt such a headache when pondered. The boundless realm of the human brain, its capabilities, and the vast unpredictability of its interworkings continue to amaze even the most highly gifted professionals; folks who have spent decades and countless dollars investing in something that still mystifies them as much as it intrigues them. While linking to cerebral qualities and the obvious, if vague, demarcation of intelligence, seeing individuals propel the human mind and its infinite layers to new heights is something truly profound. Often times, when it comes to comedians, it's startling to see how much of their process is connected with remaining cognizant, and yet, admitting ignorance, of the brain and its unbelievably advanced ways.
Robin Williams was a big proponent of using his head and exploring the possibilities of the mind through the method at which he was exceptional. If you're like me and miss the hell out of Robin Williams, the HBO documentary Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind is a great reminder of why you miss him so much. Interweaving archival footage with interviews, enthusiastic and memorable comedy with somber moments that were Robin's final days, the documentary works doubly well as a film that celebrates all that we loved about Robin despite giving us a serious look at the grimmer side of the comic's life.
You might be familiar with the famous quote from Walt Disney, who proclaimed that, in a story, "for every laugh there should be a tear." The relationship between uproariously funny comedy and painful drama should be interwoven into an equitable package. You could make the case that Come Inside My Mind adheres to that age-old principle. The film explores a plethora of integral events and relationships that made Robin who he was (the documentary also successfully makes you feel like you were on a first-name basis with the eminently lovable comedian). It chronicles his romance and marriage with his first wife, Valerie, who still seems to be cheery despite the unfortunate way their relationship fizzled. It looks at his close friendship with actor Billy Crystal, a confidant for Robin during times of great stress and joy, as well as working relationships he held with numerous individuals. He entered Julliard an honor student alongside Christopher Reeve, learned under John Houseman, and quickly made a name for himself with his high-energy monologues, impersonations, and breakneck delivery of deceptively dense one-man shows.
The rapport and spontaneity of improvisational comedy attracted Robin from an early age, but no matter how easy it looked, as he merged lighting fast reflexes with a myriad of different pitch changes in his voice, his closest friends can't stress how much work it was. One of Robin's assistants said he spent hours refining his talents, using analytical processes. By the time he was done with any given show, all he could do was lie down backstage, bathed in his own sweat like an addict who just overdosed on his favorite poison. It's only fitting that after that anecdote is told to the audience, Billy Crystal later mentions how, for Robin, and many other comedians, "laugh is a drug" and how Robin "needed that little extra hug you can only get from strangers" in order to go on. It only makes that image of a hairy-chested Robin lying motionless on a couch, body sweaty, eyes glassy all the more pertinent in terms of its connection to a troubled user.
What unfolded when Robin was on-stage was the equivalent of a wonderful jazz performance. It was mentally and physically exhausting, but you could see the wheels spinning, process unfolding, and cracks revealing themselves in the most earnest possible way. Even in many of his films (my personal favorites being One Hour Photo, Mrs. Doubtfire, World's Greatest Dad, and Good Will Hunting just to name a few), Robin was a force who strove to find the capacity of comedy and break the scale. Even in Mork and Mindy, the hit TV show that inspired all of this, the cameramen had to employ a fourth camera (unheard of at the time for sitcoms) because they simply couldn't keep up with Robin's pervasive movements and fluid physical comedy.
Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind was directed by Marina Zenovich, who made compelling yet challenging exposes on both Richard Pryor and Roman Polanski prior to compiling the life of Robin into a two-hour movie. Scored to the sounds of Los Angeles staples, including Steely Dan, the Eagles, and Linda Ronstadt, the film is a thoroughly enjoyable sensory experiment as if to keep your eyes open, mind active, and imagination racing as it linearly recalls the life of a man who felt going out on his own, self-controlled terms was the best way to exit this world — especially given his health and personal circumstances. Robin's physical presence may be no longer with us, but not only do we still have the indelible memories of his films and stand-up, we have his everlasting impact on the world of comedy; something I don't believe can be overstated.
Directed by: Marina Zenovich.