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Robin Williams: Six new movies he left behind

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An iconic Bay Area tunnel, commonly known as the Waldo Tunnel or Rainbow Tunnel, will be named after the late actor Robin Williams.

  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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Robin Williams performs at the Universal Amphitheater on July 1, 1979  (Tony Barnard / Los Angeles Times)
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Robin Williams stars as Popeye the sailor man, whose secret source of strength turns out to be spinach, with Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl, in 1980’s “Popeye.”   (File / AFP/Getty Images)
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Robin Williams performs at the Universal Amphitheater on Aug. 16, 1982.  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
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In 1984’s “Moscow on the Hudson,” Robin Williams plays Vladimir Ivanoff, a saxophonist in the Moscow circus who defects to the U.S. Here, Williams is pictured with actor Cleavant Derricks and director Paul Mazursky.   (Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images)
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Robin Williams in San Francisco in 1991.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
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Robin Williams speaks to the media backstage after his performance at the Sam Kinison tribute held at the Celebrity Theatre in Anaheim, Sept. 3, 1992.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
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In 1993’s “Mrs. Doubtfire,” Robin Williams plays Daniel Hillard, an irresponsible father who creates an alter-ego in the form of a nanny in order to spend time with his children.   (Phil Bray / Los Angeles Times)
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Robin Williams plays Alan Parrish, a man who was trapped in a board game for 26 years in 1995’s “Jumanji.” He costarred with Bonnie Hunt.  (Rob McEwan / Los Angeles Times)
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Robin William plays Armand Goldman, owner of a South Beach drag club who must hide his same-sex relationship with Albert (Nathan Lane) from their son’s future in-laws in the 1996 film “The Birdcage.”  (Lorey Sebastian / Los Angeles Times)
By Steven Zeitchikwriter 
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Robin Williams’ death from an apparent suicide Monday left us with a canon of great films from decades past. But Williams, who was prolific even at this stage of his career, also left behind a number of films that will roll out to theaters in the months ahead.

Here’s a breakdown of work he had already shot, what it’s about and when you’re likely to see it — as well as a few films that had a niche release in the past few months and are still available on various platforms. As with much of Williams’ latter-career work, drama and a low-key melancholy hovered over these roles — with one high-profile exception.

“Absolutely Anything.” Directed by Monty Python veteran Terry Jones, the animated comedy takes Williams back to his voice roots a la “Aladdin” — and also serves as his final voice role. The film centers on a teacher who is unwittingly granted special powers by aliens. Williams stars as Dennis, the teacher’s dog and sidekick — in a part that can’t but evoke thoughts of Williams’ landmark Genie. [Seeking U.S. distribution]

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“Merry Friggin’ Christmas.” Directed by “Community” veteran Tristram Shapeero, the film is a road-trip comedy with a holiday spin. Robin Williams (dad) and Joel McHale (son) hit the road to retrieve forgotten gifts in this dysfunctional-family take. In addition to allowing us to see Williams in natural comedic habitat, the film also offers the prospect of seeing Williams play opposite the kind of next-generation talent that grew up watching him, a la McHale. [Seeking U.S. distribution]

“The Angriest Man in Brooklyn.” Though it received mixed reviews when it hit theaters in May, this drama takes on a new resonance in light of Monday’s news. Williams plays Henry Altmann, a cantankerous man who, upon learning (mistakenly) that he has just a few hours to live, seeks to right wrongs with his family and friends. It’s impossible to even read about the film without thinking of its real-life parallels. [Came out May 23 from Lionsgate]

“The Face of Love.” Tragedy again hovers over this lo-fi indie drama about a middle-aged woman (Annette Bening) who loses her husband but then finds solace in another man who looks much like him (Ed Harris). Williams plays the kindly neighbor who has feelings of his own for Bening’s character, and also endured loss himself. [Came out March 7 from IFC]

“Boulevard.” Williams teamed up with street auteur Dito Montiel for the recent drama, about a man named Nolan in a marriage of convenience who picks up a colorful street hustler. The film continues the muted-drama phase of Williams’ latter career, and garnered respectful reviews when it premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April. [Several fest plays; seeking U.S. distribution]

“Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.” The latest installment of Shawn Levy’s “Museum” franchise finds Williams reprising his role as Theodore Roosevelt, in full mustachioed getup. A trailer shows Williams up to his mainstream comedy tricks we love so much; even in quick cutaways (introducing himself to a befuddled Sir Lancelot, e.g.) one gets a sense of that old Williams mojo. The movie appears to be a fitting homage -- and a little more poignant than your typical holiday sequel. [Out from Fox Dec. 19.]

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Steven Zeitchik

Steven Zeitchik is a former Los Angeles Times staff writer who covered film and the larger world of Hollywood for the paper from 2009 to 2017, exploring the personalities, issues, content and consequences of both the creative and business (and, increasingly, digital) aspects of our screen entertainment. He previously covered entertainment beats at Variety and the Hollywood Reporter, has contributed arts and culture pieces to the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and the New York Times and has done journalistic tours of duty in Jerusalem and Berlin. While at The Times he has also reported stories in cities ranging from Cairo to Krakow, though Hollywood can still seem like the most exotic destination of all.

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