The most overlooked of his concerted effort to make darker films around the turn of the millennium, it's also the messiest, but features Robin Williams battling against Edward Norton as a big pink rhino.
9. Jumanji
Possibly I was too old to watch this when it debuted in cinemas, but it's a superb live-action cartoon featuring plenty of CGI animals which I have no doubt have really dated by now. Williams is actually quite restrained at the centre of it all.
8. Insomnia
Al Pacino is the detective. Robin Williams is essentially in a supporting role as the murderer. No spoilers, it was the main point in the movie in the first place. Christopher Nolan directs. Set in a town with the sun doesn't set, it's a surprise that more people don't know about this given how massive Nolan is now.
7. Aladdin
The genie is obviously what makes this film a classic, whereas I've never felt anything else about it is really up there with the Disney greats. Jafar, Jafar, he's our man, if he can't do it - GREAT!
6. One Hour Photo
Creepy looking story featuring Robin Williams as an insignificant guy who works in a supermarket developing photos and crosses the line into being a stalker. Never quite escalates into a truly chilling horror, but manages a very unsettling tone.
5. Good Morning Vietnam
I recall that what struck me when I first saw this movie was that the on air rants which sell the thing are every bit as good as you're expecting, but no one tells you about the other side of this movie, the bits which are much more normal for a Vietnam movie. Williams's character might seem wacky from the clips, but this is not a comedy.
4. Awakenings
In his career, Robin Williams went up against both Pacino and De Niro and acquitted himself well both times. A little pat and predictable, but a very effective medical drama nonetheless.
3. Good Will Hunting
I just re-watched the famous "it's not your fault" scene and it doesn't go on for anywhere near as long as I remembered. This is one of those films that the clips never quite serve, but Matt Damon and Robin Williams are both excellent in it.
2. The Fisher King
From the days when Terry Gilliam films were both completed and unmissable. In the wake of this week's tragedy, this is the one I really want to rewatch. Magical realism, romance and real tragedy combine in this story of a disgraced talk radio DJ played by Jeff Bridges and a manic homeless guy.
1. Dead Poets Society
Well, this isn't controversial. If you haven't seen this, it should go immediately onto your recommended viewing list. And I'm not just saying that because I'm an English teacher.
In the end, Robin Williams was simply much better than any of his films. There's not a flawless film in this list, although there are some pretty flawless performances. It's such a shame that he got mired into movies that nobody wanted to watch. I've never bothered spending any of my time on Fathers' Day or Bicentennial Man or Jakob the liar. Flubber means nothing to me. But I have seen him in some pure crap - Jack is the obvious example. He was obviously always outclassing the material.
Na nu na nu.
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