Robin Williams was a master of improvisation, and his ability to turn a simple scene into a film-industry sensation is legendary. His improvisational style was so powerful that directors would rewrite scripts to flatter his unique approach, knowing that the final cut would be filled with original and memorable moments. Williams' improvisations were not just witty one-liners; they were carefully crafted, often adding depth and emotion to the scenes. In my opinion, his improvisations were a key part of his genius, and they are what made him such a beloved and iconic actor.
One of the most famous examples of Williams' improvisational skills is his role as English teacher John Keating in Dead Poets Society (1989). He taught Ethan Hawke, who played student Todd Anderson, the power of improvisation. When Keating is teaching the boys about Shakespeare, he delivers a line impersonating Marlon Brando performing one of Shakespeare's works, something that was not present in the script but made it into the movie. Similarly, the classroom moments where he asks the boys to 'yawp' and tear pages from their textbooks were also improvised. Hawke once said, 'Robin Williams didn’t do the script, and I didn’t know you could do that. If he had an idea, he just did it. He didn’t ask permission.'
Another example of Williams' improvisational prowess is his role as the Genie in Aladdin (1992). Ron Clements and John Musker, who co-wrote and co-directed the film, crafted parts of the script with Williams' improv style in mind. They encouraged him to 'improvise to his heart’s content.' The lines that came from this freedom became some of the most memorable parts of the film, such as when Jafar turns into a Cobra and the Genie quips, 'Becoming a reptile, unnecessary use of reptile. Five-hundred-year penalty.'
Williams' improvisational skills were also on full display in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993). The iconic 'run-by fruiting scene' where Mrs. Doubtfire throws a lime at Stuart Dunmeyer and blames it on a staff member was improvised. Years after the film debuted, Pierce Brosnan commented on Williams' riffing skills, saying, 'It wasn't in the script. I get the beers, I'm walking back and thinking, 'This is going to take forever to hit me on the head.' The first one missed. And the second one — is history.'
In Good Will Hunting (1997), Williams' improvisational skills added a layer of authenticity to his role as therapist Sean McGuire. As the film comes to a close, he delivers the line, 'Son of a b****. He stole my line,' totally unscripted. The story about his character's late wife farting in her sleep was also improvised, making Matt Damon's reaction in this scene entirely organic. Williams won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his work in the film.
What makes Williams' improvisations so fascinating is the way they add depth and emotion to the scenes. His ability to capture the essence of a character and bring it to life through improvisation is truly remarkable. In my opinion, his improvisations were a key part of his genius, and they are what made him such a beloved and iconic actor. His improvisations were not just witty one-liners; they were carefully crafted, often adding depth and emotion to the scenes. Williams' improvisational style was so powerful that it became a signature part of his acting, and it is what made him such a unique and unforgettable performer.
