A tortured genius
Moving documentary sees Robin Williams’ wife, friends and family reveal the struggle he faced as brain disease robbed him of his gifts
WHEN Robin Williams killed himself in 2014, there was speculation about his finances, his love life, and his history of drink and depression. The tragic truth emerged much later – he had an undiagnosed brain disease that clouded his brilliant mind.
As he told a friend: “I’m not me any more.” His widow, Susan Schneider Williams, pieces it all together in this impressive and moving documentary.
Naturally, she has the best sources, from the doctors who explain the always-fatal Diffuse Lewy Body Dementia that diminished the comic genius aged just 63, to the friends and co-workers who saw his decline first-hand.
The film is shocking, informative, sad and – like Williams’ best films – enhanced rather than damaged by a slice of sentimentality.
Williams emerges as a true hero, beloved by his friends, kind to his fans, and well liked and respected by his co-stars. Director Shawn Levy tells how there were more than 200 production staff on the final Night at the Museum film, when Williams’ symptoms had become impossible to hide. Not one sloped off to sell the story to the press.
Amazingly, the sparks in his exceptional brain hid the extent of his condition. It meant he was able to resist the disease more than most, holding back the paranoia and delusions until the later stages.
He was diagnosed instead with Parkinson’s. The reality only emerged after an autopsy.
The evening before his suicide, the actor was found standing in the street by a neighbour.
The old friend tells how, heartbreakingly, he said: “Can I just have a hug?” Then he headed inside to effect his demise.
Available on digital now