By Merle Exit
The Museum of the Moving Image has in its collection at least two items connected to Robin Williams: the Mork costume he wore in the television series “Mork and Mindy” and the rubberized mask he used in the movie “Mrs. Doubtfire.”
While Robin Williams was best known for his dazzling comic improvisations, his film work showed remarkable range.
In his finest roles, like his Oscar-winning performance in “Good Will Hunting,” Williams conveyed a deep inner life and a wide range of feelings, and despite his high-energy persona, he could work beautifully in a lower key.
When pressed, MoMI curator David Schwartz points to three performances of the late actor, who killed himself last August, as Williams’ finest screen performances, “Patch Adams,” “Popeye” and “Boulevard,” his final movie.
On Thursday, July 9, MoMI will host a preview screening of “Boulevard,” with director Dito Montiel on hand.
In “Boulevard,” which premiered at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival, Williams portrays Nolan Mack, a man who has worked at the same bank for almost 26 years. He and his wife Joy (Kathy Baker) have embraced their marriage as a convenient distraction from facing reality, each sleeping in separate rooms. Joy and Nolan also have somewhat separate social lives, with each doing their own thing some evenings.
Then, one day, what starts as an aimless drive down an unfamiliar boulevard turns into a life-altering decision for Nolan.
When he meets Leo (Roberto Aguire), a troubled young male prostitute, on that drive, Nolan finds himself breaking out of the confines of his old life and coming to terms with his closeted sexuality and determination to help the young man as well.
When Nolan comes home very late and his alibi is questioned, Joy simply accepts his word, never suspecting Nolan’s other desire.
Don’t expect any humor in the film, which drags at times. Do expect some fine acting from Williams and Baker and praise from the LGBT community.
“Boulevard” opens theatrically July 17.
Montiel, an Astoria native, read the script and thought that Williams would be perfect for the part of Nolan, since “he is someone who is always ready to explode. It was fun working with him and getting to know him in such a short time.”
Outbursts of Williams’ humor occurred during takes, he said.
For tickets and further information go to www.movin
