Thursday, August 21, 2014

Review of THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN: Robin Williams Deals with Dying

August 20, 2014




This film was released in local cinemas almost immediately after Robin Williams shocking death by suicide just last week. I watched it without knowing what this was all about, except that Williams was playing the titular "angriest man in Brooklyn." As this black comedy unfolded though, you could not help but think about the probable parallelisms of his character's story to his real life.

Henry Altman is a successful lawyer, but he is one very angry man. He is at odds with everyone around him, be it his wife Bette (Melissa Leo), his son Tommy (Hamish Linklater), his brother Aaron (Peter Dinklage!) or anyone around him. Anything and everything makes him snap, making everyday a bad day for him.  

One day, while at the hospital for a checkup, Dr. Sharon Gill (Mila Kunis) tells Altman that he has serious case of a brainstem aneurysm. Altman badgers Dr. Gill for a prognosis. The harassed young doctor, who was having a very bad day of her own, blurts out that he only has 90 minutes to live. 

This shocking pronouncement sends Altman out on a personal mission to get together and make up with all the people he had ever wronged. However, given his really lousy behavior in the past two years, this quest will not be simple to do within an hour and a half. Meanwhile, realizing her fault and haunted by guilt, Dr. Gill goes on a wild goose chase after him.

The whole scenario is a series of highly improbable events happening. The protagonist supposedly only had 90 minutes to live, but he spent the whole of that time running around New York City, instead of driving around.  Many scenes, like the scene on the Brooklyn Bridge, or the old friend in the cafe, to mention a few, were awkwardly staged and too melodramatic. Those scenes with the Uzbek taxi driver were simply bad.

This is not exactly be among Robin Williams' best films, but he still makes the best out of its flawed screenplay. Only he can make this most miserable and disagreeable character still come out charming and sympathetic. Only Williams can deliver those mile-a-minute lines with such energy and inimitable style.  That scene where he was delivering a message for his estranged son is an acting highlight. His talents will really be missed.

Mila Kunis also does well in her role as a burned-out young medic struggling to deal with very difficult and demanding patients. I just wished those scenes where she was fornicating with a senior doctor did not have to be shown, as it ran so much against her character. The other impressive names in the cast like Melissa Leo and Peter Dinklage were simply so underused. How I wished they could have had more scenes of interaction with Williams. It was such a waste of award-winning cast members. Watch out though for a cute cameo by the revered James Earl Jones as a camera store owner.

Ordinarily, a film with such a negative topic like this may not really be appreciated very well or even given much notice at all. I dare say it might not even be released in local theaters. However, given the tragic real life events surrounding its star, this film's sensitive story line with Robin Williams dealing with death and dying gains an entirely different significance. 6/10.


20 comments:

  1. When was this filmed! Seems to have a great story line.. I need to watch it to give my own review

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  2. Yes, unfortunately a tragical event can boost up the views of movies that are normally too hard to swallow. Anyways, Williams sudden death shows that depression is a serious and dangerous state that needs medical help and treatment. A great review!

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  3. I did see a trailer for this a little while ago. Long before the death of its star. The trailer was enticing even though the plot a little ridiculous. But given that I have recently watched Awakenings, Patch Adams, and Good Will Hunting, I will also be taking this one in.

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  4. A very sad loss. Having seen most of his movies, I haven't seen this one yet but will now. Great review !

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  5. aww rob is my childhood. great review u made me remember him again =(

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  6. When film like this as a theme, I think, it's an illness to a person or to the society. But it needs understanding and maybe or maybe not, as what others perceived about Robin Williams.

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  7. I was so shocked when i heard about Robin William's passing, he's always been my favorite comedic actor. And i've seen trailers of this movie and was waiting for it to be released, it's so sad that i will be watching it after his demise. Too bad that's not one of his best movies but i still want to watch it

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  8. Such a great plot. Would love to catch up on this film. Too sad Robbie is not here to witness its release :(

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  9. Thank you for the honest take on this film. I don't think I will see it, although I love RW, but with all that has happened I think it would taint the movies of his that I do love..

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  10. Robin Williams death makes me curious in watching this one. He also has his way of making his character relatable and convincing.

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  11. Ah can't miss this one...Have to watch Robin Williams last! The plot sounds interesting!

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  12. Whoah I didn;t know that Peter Dinklage is also in this film.. The story is a little weird haha

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  13. I didn't see this film show in Malaysia. Need download or streaming...

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  14. I definitely plan to see this movie! It is both poignant and ironic that this was released in the US just two months before his untimely death... May he rest in peace.

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  15. Great review! Sounds like the movie is very mixed. There are both good reasons to see it and good reasons to not see it. I'll probably rent a DVD so I'll be able to watch it at home.

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  16. I have seen this movie also. I remember the scene inside the taxi where Robin and the taxi driver had an argument while Mila was appalled of what was happening and then she got angry and busted the driver to Robin's surprise.

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  17. You have written such an honest take about the movie that I cant wait to appreciate you. Would love to watch is soon !

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  18. This is one film that I would not miss. I am a fan of Robin Williams since his Mork and Mindy days. I believe this would be a blockbuster film.

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  19. I did not even know that they released this film. It seems to be a good way to use your 90 minutes or maybe not, depending on the person. But I like your observation of why run around all over NY if you only have less than two hours left? Pick up the phone and start calling everyone you love! But I guess if he did that, there won't be any movie. RIP Mr. Williams.

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  20. oh how i miss robin williams ,have to watch this movies ,nice review

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