Overview
MIFF is giving a massive nod to the late, great, absolute legend, Robin Williams. Following the beloved comedian's tragic passing on Tuesday, the Melbourne International Film Festival has scheduled a tribute screening of one of William's best films: the 1987 classic Good Morning Vietnam.
Shaking things up on breakfast radio is one thing, doing it on a US Armed Services Radio station during the Vietnam War is another. Playing the highly unorthodox DJ, Williams nabbed an Oscar nomination for giving a finger to the system as Adrian Cronauer in his breakthrough big-screen appearance. Diverting from his dull, monotonous radio predecessors, Cronauer's dynamite, wacky morning broadcasts turn real when he experiences first-hand the horrors of war — a broadcast truth that sees him replaced and facing another battle to get back on the air.
Williams balances wacky outlandishness with dramatic poignancy, channelling all the Damn the Man finesse with high-fiveable conviction. And if we could wake up every day to Williams respect for microphone technique instead of certain bullshit shock jocks, we'd be outstandingly happy campers.
MIFF 2014 runs from July 31 until August 17. The festival's one-off screening of Good Morning Vietnam is happening at 1:30pm this Saturday, August 16 at Hoyts Melbourne Central. Head over here for more info and tickets.
Good Morning Vietnam is one of ten ways Robin Williams opened our minds, check out the list here.
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https://youtube.com/watch?v=wuk8AOjGURE