What happened, Robin?

Let's get one thing out in the open before opening this can of worms: Robin Williams is the funniest man on the face of the planet. He missed out on his true calling: anesthesiologist. He'd just tell the patient two jokes before surgery and the person would pass out from laughing. (Or possibly rupture a spleen, in which case a hospital is the right place to be anyway.)

Now to the uncomfortable question: How much longer until Robin Williams makes another a truly great movie?

This is scary: It's been 10 years since Williams -- who turned 55 years old this weekend -- earned a well-deserved Oscar for "Good Will Hunting." During that time, he has given us films like "Patch Adams," "Bicentennial Man," "RV" and now "License to Wed." Sure, he's had some meatier roles in "One Hour Photo" and "Insomnia" -- even the surreal, but depressing "What Dreams May Come" -- but nothing approaching his golden touch in the '80s and '90s.

His stand-up performances continue to improve over time, but his screen roles do not. Why the disparity? Williams gives us a possible answer in a recent interview with the International Herald-Tribune, where he admits his greatest love is reserved for live performances:

"There's an energy. It's live theater. That's why I think actors like that. You know, musicians need it, comedians definitely need it. It doesn't matter what size and what club, whether it's 30 people in the club or 2,000 in a hall or a theater. It's live, it's symbiotic, you need it."

I know what I need: a few more movies like these...

Top 5 Robin Williams movies of the 80s:

5. The Best of Times (1986): "Mr. Weasel's here."

4. Good Morning Vietnam (1987): "Seeing as how the V.P. is such a V.I.P., shouldn't we keep the P.C. on the Q.T.? 'Cause if it leaks to the V.C. he could end up M.I.A., and then we'd all be put out in K.P."

3. Moscow on the Hudson (1984): "Excuse me, I happy to talk to you, but I must now to make toilet."

2. The World According to Garp (1982): "Honey, the chances of another plane hitting this house are astronomical. It's been pre-disastered."

1. Dead Poet's Society (1989): "No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world."

Comments

[Bernie]

"Robin, please find a new career"

Hey! You agree with me!

Sincerely,
Bernie/"an Dolt"

[jeff]

what about his address for the ryder cup!

[Kenneth]

Why do all these neo-cons even read the Times? Enjoy the Tribune before it folds fascists. Seriously, if you don't think Robin Williams is funny, there's something medically wrong with you - you should get it checked out.

[Ron Paul]

So nice to see that some people (and I use the term generously in this case) can't be critical without throwing the term "liberal" into it. Tell you what Biff, why don't you snuggle up with Bill O and Ann and leave the rational thinkers alone?

[Y Ruff]

I cannot take robin williams, never could. He is hyper, non stop talker, when you listen to him you instantly feel like you need about 20 valium. He is far from funny, i find him obnoxious, if i was stuck in a room with him I think I would snap. If he is ever on tv i have to turn the channel before I become nautious. He never lets anyone get a word in edgewise that interviews him becuase he cant stop talking. I dont think he is comedy material at all, he is infact a ridiculous silly man.

[Biff]

Robins most true to life character was when he played that pathetic gay guy in "Birdcage".......

I agree with Bernie.......williams is a spastic liberal.

[roy]

bernie is an dolt. If you can't laugh at Robin Williams, you don't have a soul.

[Mike]

Hey everybody, did you hear that? Bernie has never laughed at one of Robin Williams' jokes ... thus, he is not funny. This edict from on high is binding. Robin, please find a new career.

So let it be written! Thank you, Bernie! You have shown me the light.

[Bernie]

Can't stand Robin Williams. I've never laughed at any of his jokes. Robin Williams is not, and never will be, funny. I group him with Tim Allen, Sinbad, and Colin Quinn as comedians that failed to make me crack a smile. The only time Robin Williams is funny is somebody is impersonating him.

One Hour Photo was only good because the director/art directors were extremely talented.

[Spears]

Both Mrs. Doubtfire and Fisher King were '90s movies -- before Good Will Hunting.

[Christina]

The Fisher King too.

[George M.]

Did somebody forget about Mrs. Doubtfire ?

[chase]

You open your eyes and you're in a small room with white walls, two chairs, and no door .... There seems to be no way out, ever. And sitting on one of the chairs, looking at you, is Robin Williams.

Then you realize: You're in Hell.

[GlennS.]

I think Williams has done some great work in this decade. In addition to "Insomnia" and "One Hour Photo" which were mentioned above, I thought he was quite good in "The Night Listener." Also liked his smallish part in "Night at the Museum," which brought a lot of heart to the special effects-driven movie.