Even among Robin Williams' sizable filmography, this was a title that I hadn't heard of until a few days ago. Unlike most of his films, this one was made for TV, although he still gives it his all in what could be one of his most personal performances (after the fact).
Based on a novel by Saul Bellow, Williams plays Tommy Wilhelm, a recently out-of-work furniture salesman who moves to New York in hopes that he will become successful. Further complicating his problems is a wife (separated, not divorced) and two kids that he has to support, and a hard father that he desperately wants to connect with. Robin Williams fires on full cylinders here, turning in a performance filled with anger, pain, desperation, and sadness. All he wants is to make enough to live, but he is beset at every turn with dismissal, judgment and even deception. Deception comes in the form of Mr. Tamkin (Jerry Stiller), a so-called "doctor" who gets Tommy into the world of stock trading. I could go on about the plot, but that's really more than enough to know going in.
Instead of a straightforward plot, this film more than anything serves as an acting showcase for Williams dramatic acting talents. He imbues his character with such emotional fragility, that it tugs on the heartstrings when his world finally comes to pieces. Other than Williams, Stiller also gives a great performance as a fair weather friend and scam artist. The actor who plays Williams' father is also quite good. In general, the cast acts out the story well, with the exception of Williams' mistress Olive, who seemed rather flimsy and bland.
Being that this was made for TV, the cinematography and camera-work isn't too spectacular, but it is serviceable. The editing was also a little jarring in places, and certain scenes could have used better transitions. Still, given the age and source (VOD, but probably sourced from a VHS), it looked fine. Overall, I would consider this an underrated gem, mostly because I don't think a lot of people are familiar with it. Still, despite Williams' best efforts, the story wasn't too emotionally involving for me. I always felt like I was on the periphery, watching some terrific acting to be sure, but never quite investing in the story like I would have hoped. Maybe that's because everything is hopelessly stacked against the protagonist, who knows? But for those who haven't seen it yet and are in the mood for something by Robin Williams, it's definitely worth a rental.
Based on a novel by Saul Bellow, Williams plays Tommy Wilhelm, a recently out-of-work furniture salesman who moves to New York in hopes that he will become successful. Further complicating his problems is a wife (separated, not divorced) and two kids that he has to support, and a hard father that he desperately wants to connect with. Robin Williams fires on full cylinders here, turning in a performance filled with anger, pain, desperation, and sadness. All he wants is to make enough to live, but he is beset at every turn with dismissal, judgment and even deception. Deception comes in the form of Mr. Tamkin (Jerry Stiller), a so-called "doctor" who gets Tommy into the world of stock trading. I could go on about the plot, but that's really more than enough to know going in.
Instead of a straightforward plot, this film more than anything serves as an acting showcase for Williams dramatic acting talents. He imbues his character with such emotional fragility, that it tugs on the heartstrings when his world finally comes to pieces. Other than Williams, Stiller also gives a great performance as a fair weather friend and scam artist. The actor who plays Williams' father is also quite good. In general, the cast acts out the story well, with the exception of Williams' mistress Olive, who seemed rather flimsy and bland.
Being that this was made for TV, the cinematography and camera-work isn't too spectacular, but it is serviceable. The editing was also a little jarring in places, and certain scenes could have used better transitions. Still, given the age and source (VOD, but probably sourced from a VHS), it looked fine. Overall, I would consider this an underrated gem, mostly because I don't think a lot of people are familiar with it. Still, despite Williams' best efforts, the story wasn't too emotionally involving for me. I always felt like I was on the periphery, watching some terrific acting to be sure, but never quite investing in the story like I would have hoped. Maybe that's because everything is hopelessly stacked against the protagonist, who knows? But for those who haven't seen it yet and are in the mood for something by Robin Williams, it's definitely worth a rental.