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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
informative
sad
Three and a half stars. Really depressing read. Despite a privileged background, fame, and a beautiful family, Williams was not at peace. Once he became a celebrity, he shot from one project to another, taking the criticism hard when he could not meet expectations (and the critics bashed most of his work—well, he made so many bad movies, one right after another).
The author interviewed several of Williams’ closest friends and family members—notably Billy Crystal and Williams’ oldest son Zak— and incorporated archived info such as Williams’ own self-revelatory remarks and quotes from Christopher Reeve to fill in detail. This is a fairly comprehensive look at Robin Williams, a man who was not fully known by anyone, it seems.
Actually, his second wife Marsha may have more insight than anyone else but she does not give interviews. She was his collaborator, production partner, mother of two of his children, wife, mother-surrogate, social director, ferocious guard, and ultimately his doormat. She accepted his infidelity, as did his first wife, bc there was no point in fighting it if she wanted the marriage to continue. Her statement after his death was by far the most meaningful.
Williams comes across as a complicated person. He was emotionally childish with a need to be cared for but capable of great kindness and empathy, a quick study w an amazing ability to absorb info, sharply intelligent, profane, and very hairy (that last detail comes up many times).
The author’s implications about Williams’ third wife are somewhat developed. It’s obvious that the biographer sides w Williams’ kids and friends, and his attempt to remain objective creaks w effort as he inserts interviews, statements to the press, and court docs to make a case.
The final chapters are painful to read. Williams is disintegrating and unable to stop that process or successfully explain what’s happening.
Although the biographer clearly accessed a wealth of sources, a few voices predominate and sometimes overdetermine how Williams is portrayed. Williams’ daughter-in-law, for example, doesn’t add insight but is quoted frequently in the latter part of the book. This is an unfair critique given that some people have died or refuse to be interviewed. The half star, nonetheless, is for a bit of tunnel vision.
The author interviewed several of Williams’ closest friends and family members—notably Billy Crystal and Williams’ oldest son Zak— and incorporated archived info such as Williams’ own self-revelatory remarks and quotes from Christopher Reeve to fill in detail. This is a fairly comprehensive look at Robin Williams, a man who was not fully known by anyone, it seems.
Actually, his second wife Marsha may have more insight than anyone else but she does not give interviews. She was his collaborator, production partner, mother of two of his children, wife, mother-surrogate, social director, ferocious guard, and ultimately his doormat. She accepted his infidelity, as did his first wife, bc there was no point in fighting it if she wanted the marriage to continue. Her statement after his death was by far the most meaningful.
Williams comes across as a complicated person. He was emotionally childish with a need to be cared for but capable of great kindness and empathy, a quick study w an amazing ability to absorb info, sharply intelligent, profane, and very hairy (that last detail comes up many times).
The author’s implications about Williams’ third wife are somewhat developed. It’s obvious that the biographer sides w Williams’ kids and friends, and his attempt to remain objective creaks w effort as he inserts interviews, statements to the press, and court docs to make a case.
The final chapters are painful to read. Williams is disintegrating and unable to stop that process or successfully explain what’s happening.
Although the biographer clearly accessed a wealth of sources, a few voices predominate and sometimes overdetermine how Williams is portrayed. Williams’ daughter-in-law, for example, doesn’t add insight but is quoted frequently in the latter part of the book. This is an unfair critique given that some people have died or refuse to be interviewed. The half star, nonetheless, is for a bit of tunnel vision.
informative
Still makes me sad to think about Robin Williams' passing and I don't know why. I wouldn't consider myself a devotee, but he seemed so familiar from the roles I grew up with (Aladdin, Hook, Jumanji). It was interesting to reflect on how inconsistent his career really was. He missed more than he hit in terms of both critical appraisal and box office success, but still he was a force of nature. Written with great insight and thorough research. I really enjoyed listening to this one.
It’s an enormous book where the author spared no expense tracing every detail of Robins life. Hard to understand some of the references to theatre and stage, but I skimmed over those. Also difficult to remember who some of the people in Robins life were, as there were so many characters.
This is most likely the most thorough review of Robins life, but I bet there are more entertaining versions out there.
This is most likely the most thorough review of Robins life, but I bet there are more entertaining versions out there.
Fantastic read. So much information in here, and incredibly readable. Still sad that Robin is gone, but this book was an incredibly respectful view behind the curtain. Highly recommend.
Everyone felt as if they knew him. Millions of people loved him for his generosity of spirit, his quickness of mind, and the hopefulness he inspired. Some lost their affection for him years later, as the quality of the work declined. And when he was gone, we all wished we'd had him just a little longer
I don't think I can say anything better than that. The book drives you through the lifetime journey of one of the most loved and missed people in the world. He is not romanticised or dramatized in any way. It paints the story as it is and lets you be the judge and in the end, you will feel like going through a marathon of all his works. (Already watching Good Will Hunting).
This should be a must read for every soul this man has touched over the years through his work. Be his portrayal of a damaged yet healing psychiatrist in Good Will Hunting or a refreshing and driving performance as a teacher who wants you to find and follow your passion or the ever loving and eccentric portrayal of genie which could never be replicated.
O Captain my captain! you would forever be missed.
A painful, but beautiful read. Any fan of Robin Williams should read this book to understand the man behind the laughs a bit more.