Robin Williams - In Motion

Robin Williams was a genius, but he was also a dedicated craftsman who explored how an actor could express character through movement. Join me in honoring this tiny facet of his work.
For educational purposes only. You can donate to support the channel at
Patreon: / everyframeapainting
And follow me here:
Twitter: / tonyszhou
Facebook: / everyframeapainting
Music:
Martha & the Vandellas - Nowhere to Run
Ray Conniff - Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
Frank Sinatra - How About You?
Help us caption & translate this video!
amara.org/v/GJaJ/

[@timgehrsitz3267]

Robin Williams is a once-in-a-lifetime act. We often say some actors are great and can't be matched, but Williams was purely unique. I've never seen ANYONE do his act the way he does.

[@sandythemaster6898]

Buster Keaton is another example - unique in his own way, just like Robin Williams.

[@BubblewrapHighway]

Robin Williams lives on through this man kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIixnGOKirBpbac

[@danbull]

I can't believe we inhabit a world in which Robin Williams felt he could not exist. The brilliance of Robin Williams is that he made us feel like we knew him, personally, and he knew us...

[@Happy-cn9vt]

He was badly sick, he killed himself to escape the pain, he didn't commit suicide because of depression

[@ajcopple]

+Dan Bull > "he made us feel like we knew him" Man, his death just hit me today. In 2016. This comment describes it perfectly

[@drewa1964]

He was such a unique man, I think that his death still hits us, even today. RIP Robin.

[@TheWiiHunter]

And imagine how he'd feel not knowing Trump is the president of the US. Perhaps Robin predicted this travesty

[@nitawhite8459]

@ Eric Sharp - Just because Robin Williams had money and fame and possessions (oh my!) does not necessitate his life was "great."

[@iain.sm.c]

His training at Juliard absolutely had a huge influence on this. Clowning and miming, in particular, must have had a significant impact.

[@UVtec]

After he finished with the voiceover for Genie in Aladin, the animators had to redo the animations to incorporate his improvisations, which is something you don't do in animated movies, unless it is something as good as from Robin Williams.

[@TheNintendo12]

+Vítězslav Ureš ive also heard that it was going to be nominated for best animated screenplay (dont know for what awards) but they couldnt because the majority of it was improvised so there wasnt a screenplay to be nominated per se

[@davidharder7024]

In his improvisations as the Genie, Robin Williams made fun of that fact. "I say it and they draw it! We'll both be arrested! Here we go!"

[@Balthazar2242]

Eric Goldberg had drawn test animation using Robin's standup comedy, but he watched Robin in the booth and interacted with him before he actually animated him for a the film. Goldberg said that often Robin would make a reference and he and Goldberg would glance at each other as if to say, "You got that one, right? Thought so." Goldberg also said that while Robin was very animated in the booth, he was very thoughtful otherwise.

[@squidy7771]

They did the animations after. They had to redo some of the storyboards.

[@Kaihlik]

The thing I really like about this tribute is that it isn't just the usual gushing about how great a person was. You take an aspect of what made his work great that most people don't understand well (they may understand subcontiously but most people could not put this stuff into words) and you help them realise why they enjoyed his work. Instead of simply appreciating Robin Williams you helped everyone who watches this appreciate him that much more.

[@IceColder]

true.....and thank ♥ YOU for putting this into the right words...to explain how i feel about this video :)

[@WolfgerSilberbaer]

Most of the videos I've seen on this channel so far have been exactly this. It's fascinating to see familiar things from a different perspective and gain an even greater appreciation of them.

[@DSLRguide]

Thanks Tony, you have revealed to me yet another realm in the tools of storytelling!

[@Brunoenribeiro]

i miss Tony's work. There's lots of similar channels nowadays but this one is special

[@oanaalexia]

Come back, he posted.

[@coyote.redfire]

It's 2022 and I've just discovered your channel. Hard to believe Robin has been gone for 8 years. What a magical beautiful soul. Thank you Tony for this wonderful video.

[@sullenpuffin]

It's 2023 and it still makes me choke up to see him and remember that he's gone. Very missed.

[@allthingsfascinating]

I go through all the video essay channels on KZbin and always end up coming back again and again to you.

[@leewhitaker8484]

Wanted you to know: I'm pseudo TA-ing a Myth and Film class and, during one of my meetings with the professor, I showed him your videos because they've changed the way I look at certain elements of film. He loves them, and we're now both subscribed to your channel. I'll mention them to the class if I have the chance, they're nothing short of spectacular.

[@everyframeapainting]

***** I really enjoy how many people come into contact with this channel by word-of-mouth. So thank you for passing it on to someone else. Glad to have you both as subs.

[@kiribundi]

How long does it take to produce one video like this? They’re so well edited that at no moment I was bored. God job Tony

[@everyframeapainting]

This one was 3 weeks to research, and 25 hours to edit I think. Plus a lotta ancillary stuff like thumbnails, setting up Patreon, etc. They're normally faster, like 2 weeks to research and 12 hours to edit. I went through a couple different variations and re-edits on this one to get it right.

[@kiribundi]

Every Frame a Painting Thanks man for the quick answer. Those projects always take longer than they seem to at first. At least, you’ll be an editing beast

[@MisdirectedSasha]

The unfortunate thing about KZbin personalities is that the best ones often put the most time into their work, and thus take the longest to put out new videos. Keep up the good work.

[@scottrinehart5501]

Every Frame a Painting Might I ask how those 3 weeks of research break down? Time watching/re-watching movies, reading articles/books, writing your thesis, your voice over script? I love what you're doing by the way. Revitalized my interest in film.

[@JoshJackson]

Every Frame a Painting GIVE US MORE!!!!

[@NeoCranium]

I love your videos. I just love everything about them. Keep them coming so that I can experience cinema in new perspectives.

[@Speedo1391]

It's been a little more than one year now, I'm back watching this again and nearly cried at the end of it... Unbelievably talented actor and a great video! Thanks again for making this!

[@brando847]

Just had to give this another watch. Hard to believe it’s been 7 years already

[@JeremyMcBane]

nice to see the fisher king here, you don't hear enough about that great film

[@MetaalMeerkat]

I could not care any less about celebrities, but Robin always made me smile and I always enjoyed his movies. The only actor I actually liked to call my favorite, and he is gone now.

[@hxcfairy]

You know, this is one of the nicest tributes to him I've seen for him. You focused on what we loved him for and what we'll miss him for - his talent. Good job.

[@jmwild1]

Thank you with ending this montage with "How About You". His performance in Fisher King is so underrated I don't even know where to begin. My favorite of all his roles.

[@henri1_96]

jmwild1 i love that movie

[@matteframe]

I must be blinded by the fact I think Fisher King is probably his best film.. So I assume others must as well!

[@juliexiong4124]

“You don’t know real lost… cuz it only occurs when you love something more than yourself…” I felt that

[@Dyanosis]

lose*, not lost.

[@TinLeadHammer]

@@Dyanosis *loss, not lose.

[@DanYHKim2]

There is a scene in "The Fisher King" in which Williams has finished his date, a milestone toward becoming more normal, and then encounters the Red Knight, the personification of his fears. Williams runs from the Knight, and undergoes a series of horrific flashbacks. It was an eloquent piece. The look of dread on his face when he realizes that the Knight has found him, and that he cannot escape speaks volumes about the way that we can sometimes build our lives around madness, just to avoid the one great fear of our lives. It was a powerful scene. I wish it had been brought up here.

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

I watched my vibrant, independent, active mother slowly unspool, first losing her memory, then one by one her skills and eventually her personhood - to mixed dementia. It is terrible to witness. But early on as this process begins to happen, the person IS aware that something is not quite right. Mom knew that. So did Robin Williams.

[@amidorshok]

i don't know why i got tears in my eyes now... i am a massive fan of his style, and the interview that you showed a few clip now.... "Inside the Actor's Studio with Robin Williams", i lost count of how many times i watched it... he was a genius... and you did great justice to his genius bravo man

[@101......]

_Capturing the moment._ Aye Captain, godspeed!

[@RinLockhart]

A part of me died with him. But I'll always remember him as a funny, expressive actor. He deserved the world.

[@ilovekitkats]

Could you make a video honouring Phillip Seymour Hoffman? That would be greatly appreciated.

[@Advent3546]

Yeah, he was one of the best. I think what I got from Phil was deception. You were never sure about his motivations and his blocking told that.

[@matteframe]

He also had an incredible level of control and intensity.. The smallest movements meant so much.. Kind of an anti Robin.

[@LimeyLassen]

"They give the actors something physical to do" Oh, Lucas...

[@BollocksUtwat]

+Limey Lassen What, sitting doesn't count?

[@furtim1]

+Limey Lassen What about standing and talking?

[@BollocksUtwat]

furtim1 And walking.

[@NormalLee67]

There was that one scene where Lucas broke new ground by having Padme pack a suitcase instead of just sit on a couch.

[@EngineeredTruth]

Beautiful

Come back! The content of this channel is unique. I've never participated in a Patreon but I would do it for more of this.

[@slug237711]

0:17-0:19 OMG! HE SHOWED IT! SOMEONE ACTALLY SHOWED IT! *screams*. Finally a video that acknowledges SOME scene from Death to Smoochy. Even if they're minor. Any time people talk about Williams it's either about Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, Aladdin or Mrs. Doubtfire. Death to Smoochy, or more specifically Rainbow Randolph, is hands down his best performance!

[@CharlieHarrySmith]

I've only recently found your Every Frame videos Tony, but I've watched them all in the past three days... really wonderfully put together and thought provoking. You've somehow managed to make even Bayhem seems scholarly too!

[@davidshi451]

Everything is worthy of analysis nowadays!

[@matteframe]

Lol. Did we just start analyzing things since youtube? I don't think so.

[@sebbychou]

And this is why animators tend to really like Robin

[@seoulting28]

Things that helped Robin Williams' performances. 3:03 1. They let him play it straight through 3:35 2. They gave him something physical to do 4:08 3. They used blocking to tell the story visually 4:36 4. They let him listen 4:57 5. They didn't let perfection get in the way of inspiration

[@novelanthony203]

This is not only a masterpiece as a video essay, it is a touching piece from Every Frame a Painting

[@Babarky]

One of my absolute favourite channels. Great video.

[@workman3407]

I miss the great Robin Williams!

[@GoopieG]

Tony, Ive been watching your videos for a while now and I have to say, your channel is one of the best on youtube to explore cinema. Not only is the editing always on point but from your narrations you come off as someone who is articulate yet passionate about film. Keep up the great work, I really enjoy watching your videos. Can't wait to see what's next!

[@frontsideboy]

you have this ability to explain to me why i love movies. i dont know whats compelled you to make these videos but youve made me and many friends very happy. you are brilliant at what you do. my favourite yt channel by a mile. thanks for the effort!

[@shinrarango]

ah man I just watched this and was overcome with sadness that this great man is no longer with us. what a treasure he was, you can tell from all his films , even the terrible ones , that he was a man who gave everything for the audience , who really wanted to give a performance. what a tragic tragic way to go

[@Xelif37]

This must be the best film related channel on youtube right now as far as I'm concerned... I'm blown away in every video, there is so much potential here! The number of subscribers is too damn low!

[@mrbilalahmedkhan]

You can't help but appreciate the work that actors like Robin Williams have done, A legend in the true sense of the word, you will be missed :)

[@TheTransitmtl]

This channel is one of the very best thing on the internet right now. It is obvious how much work and passion you put in them and you have made me love cinema again.

[@zabreklz]

finally a video showing how robin williams wasnt just "funny". truly a master at his craft. well done. cant wait until your next video!

[@ChrisShabsin]

Loving this series of explorations into various elements of the visual style of film. I started at Edgar Wright, watched a study of David Fincher, and now this.

[@wendyholler1891]

Tony Zhou is awesome.

[@Brian-lg1ui]

2:56 Robin Williams created the Naruto Run

[@ThomasWardJavelot]

This is hands down the best channel about film at the moment, wether we are talking about tv or the internet. I am stunned at the diversity and detail of the knowledge you have shared with us in just a few videos so far, it's been fascinating and I am looking very forward to what will come up next. big up Tony!

[@ThelouwseFD]

I just love that man SO MUCH. My eyes are full of tears and I just can't believe he's gone. He had that sparkle in his eyes ! He was just the greatest. Just a brilliant and generous man.

[@Gruppetstudios]

Tony, could you make a video on how Kubrick used slow, almost tedious shots in his films? I think it's an important subject.

[@N1rvanaGod]

+Gruppetstudios I can't wait to see a Kubrick one too

[@oof-rr5nf]

Gaston Psotka Schendel, I can't either. That'll be gooood.

[@burakhezar112]

He's not doing one on Kubrick.

[@Greenie161]

If you really want slow, almost tedious go look at Andrei Tarkovsky's filmography

[@GameDroid98]

I just wanted to say, I've been getting bored with KZbin for a long time now, but you've made me realize that there still videos worth getting excited for. Keep up the amazing work!

[@FacundoNehuenLopez]

Beautiful video. I miss this channel so much.

[@timgiraud7591]

Honest, versatile, intense, ecclectic, somber, inventive, generous, and about a million other things... gone too soon... gone too soon. We shall not see his like again

[@cinemavimarsh9350]

Great sir! Thank you very much ✨

[@jupiter0103]

5:30 nice reference tony very nice

[@kdcndw1]

I think as Robin said, he had a very good director work with him on his earliest dramatic roles. Peter Weir is a vastly underrated director. Going back and watching such stars as Harrison Ford, Jim Carey, Jeff Bridges, Russell Crowe, Mel Gibson and Robin Williams in Weir movies reveals to me how much of a genius he is with actors. But no doubt about it, Robin Williams was a extraordinary physical actor.

[@NT333]

Thank god he left us all this movies he starred. Even though he died more than a year ago, I still got catching up to do. Thank you for that Robin Williams.

[@moose304]

Wonderful tribute to one of my favorites. Will miss him greatly.

[@ManSeekingMeaning]

That Fischer King ending song, though. Right in the feels...

this!

[@N1rvanaGod]

Awesome video as always. I miss him too, and the weird thing is, when he died i wasn't really shocked, but then i started remembering how much i used to watch his work when i was a kid (i must have watched Jumanji about a million times) and i realized that, when it comes to movies, he was one of the most present actors in my childhood, and i loved every second of his acting . He was a genius indeed. Thank you so much for letting us join you

[@aystacy]

Great video! Loved all the footage of Robin Williams over the years. It truly showed his versatility. I can't think of anyone else that would compare to him. He was in a category all on his own. To get to that stage is pretty impressive. Thanks for sharing!

[@CameronMann125]

Damn dude, your videos are awesome! good job!

[@Deel2506]

I'm not crying, you're crying

[@matttennis]

Dear Tony, Thank you so much for this thoughtful tribute and analysis of Robin Williams. He was my favorite actor, and I love so many of his performances. I was just wondering if you might be able to do a video on the Coen brothers. They are some of my favorite directors, and I find very impressive their various cinematic works. Your analysis style is phenomenal and very enlightening (my two favorites of yours are The Silence of the Lambs-Who Wins the Scene? and David Fincher-And the Other Way is Wrong), and I would really enjoy seeing it extended to the Coen brothers. Perhaps discuss how they effectively film black comedy? Thank you so much, and keep up the great work!

[@N1rvanaGod]

+Matt Clark I think you could make a Coen brothers video essay on any subject you could imagine. Sure, black comedy is one of the things they're most known for, but they're great at many others. A video about the use of silence in almost all through out No Country for Old Men (i know there's one about Scorsese already) would be interesting, for example. But again, you could make a video about them on many things, or maybe it's just me that could talk about the Coens all day long, i love those bastards

[@matttennis]

+Matt Clark Thank you so much again, Tony, for the lovely Coen brothers video!

[@lukeothedukeo]

About a year after Robin's death we were reading Hamlet in English class. At some point, we watched the entirety of the 1996 film. It was so long, it took at least two full class periods, so we had seen around 2 hours of film when Osric appeared on screen. Now, Osric is a minor character, really just a messenger for a short scene who isn't paid much mind, but not in this adaptation. No, because Robin Williams was playing Osric, and the moment his face moved into frame is etched into my brain forever. The entire room gasped with joy just for that face. Every little movement he made, his bow clumsily thrusting his scabbard into a chair, his odd little march out of the frame, brought grins and chuckles to the room. I'd never seen film hold such power over an audience, and it was purely down to his expressions and blocking. He recited his lines as they appeared from Shakespeare's pen hundreds of years ago, but I can't imagine the Globe Theatre every had the chance to see a performance that could bring so much joy with so little action.

[@TheOddMindofSamBo]

I love the focus on The Fisher King in this video. That one has to be my favorite Robin Williams performance.

[@jmwild1]

When anyone asks me which Robin Williams *or* Jeff Bridges movie they should watch, I go straight to Fisher King. Healing another's wounds via your own journey to redemption is such a powerful theme, seen too little in film. Fisher King totally nails it. Williams *and* Bridges are astounding. The Grand Central Station Waltz is one of my favorite scenes of all time.

[@CodestarProductions]

Still miss him

[@EPICFAILKING1]

Robin Williams death really affected me, not sure why. I don't care about any celebrity deaths at all really.

[@GH-om5rp]

me too, he was kind of part of my childhood. a part of many people's childhood.

[@DjokovicIsOurLordAndSaviour]

I think he is one of the few actors who really felt genuine. Everyone felt like they truly knew him.

[@JenniferBrigitteOpticalVortex]

@@DjokovicIsOurLordAndSaviour He was one of the kindest and saddest souls to ever make us happy!

[@tommyvenezia3654]

I found myself crying real tears because of this video. I have never been affected by enough by a celebrities death to be brought to tears but damn I really fucking miss him.

[@yellowcougar18]

Love this, and the explanation of the scenes... But then the final scene....'we love you...' A lesson within a Lesson, and a punch to the gut. Well played, sir. Well edited, and well done. My respects.

[@AgentMcQueen]

Beautiful work Tony. Your work doesn't go unnoticed. R.I.P. Robin.

[@cedricbobro]

This is probably the greatest channel on KZbin! Keep the videos coming!

[@victrosia]

Four years later and Robin Williams’ death still affects me so much. I lost my grandfather the same year and for some reason I’ve linked the two in my head in a way that makes me love him as much as I loved my grandfather. Fuck, man...

[@gidorahking]

"You got fired?" "yeah I got fired" "How did you get fired from and intro to film teaching gig?" "...well... I got caught just showing this guys you tube videos over and over every day......"

[@everyframeapainting]

gidorahking Ha. Hasn't happened yet.

[@Kraigon42]

The one thing I disagree with here is that body language is universal. It may be much more wide-reaching than actual language, but it isn't quite universal. Other than that, I loved the video because you really opened my eyes to some things I never noticed.

[@Qwickset]

Great video...well put-together. My only regret was no titles indicating from which movie a particular scene came from. A few had me wishing I knew so that I could rent/buy to watch.

[@everyframeapainting]

Tim Hoefer If you reply and tell me the timecode, I can tell you which film is what.

[@superbewerter123]

+Every Frame a Painting I love your videos!! Great work. Maybe you can show the titles in the video. That would be nice :)

[@queroin]

+Jacob Jesse start from 5:46 :)

[@brain_apostrophe_t]

I really do come back to this channel just to watch your editing, and that really means a lot.

[@aishikamitra]

Truly a leged. How did I manage to find this video so late?

[@Local_International]

Watch em all! This guy made great videos

[@giantfisher]

Just like when my father died, I have no regrets. My dad knew just how much I loved him. Mr. Robin Williams never knew how much I appreciate his work. But the respect is there all the same.

[@fidellerosa]

i'm still in pain. i still cant say goodbye to this masterful actor.

[@Mark-Wagner]

Tony, I love your stuff so much. Thank you for paying the best tribute I've seen to one of my favorite actors.

[@theGhoulman]

We love you Robin, we know you're still out there. :)

[@davidshi451]

Could you perhaps do a video where you explain some of the terms you use, like "blocking"?

[@everyframeapainting]

David Shi I tried explaining it briefly in this video. Serious question: is it still difficult to comprehend?

[@davidshi451]

Every Frame a Painting Now that I rewatched it, it does make more sense…blocking was used to visually show Robin going after the girl and her brother trying to stop him, right? I guess I know subconsciously the techniques used in film, I just haven't matched the words or ideas to them. Thanks for the answer! Looking forward to seeing more interesting content.

[@Piitsi]

David Shi To my understanding it means the positioning and movement of the actors, in relation to the camera (or to the stage if we talk about theatre). The word is strange, here is an explanation why it's used. Wikipedia: “The term derives from the practice of 19th century theatre directors such as Sir W. S. Gilbert who worked out the staging of a scene on a miniature stage using blocks to represent each of the actors.”

[@phuctifyno1]

"Staging" is the manner in which actors and objects occupy a 3D space in front of the camera and "blocking" is the way in which the camera translates the staging onto the 2D plane of the screen.

[@mushnoodle]

i think blocking in this particular situation meant that because part of the screen was blocked by the doorframe and the characters stepped out one by one causing subtle different reactions of the maincharacter

[@dansenatore]

This is seriously the best channel on KZbin.

[@HongiLuo]

I so, so, enjoy your voice. The content too, but especially the way you deliver it.

[@herrschneider5310]

really appreciate your work, although the only part I could contribute in this industry would be storyboarding, if I'm very very lucky, your videos still provide absolutely essential understanding. keep up the great work!

[@everyframeapainting]

People who board are so valuable. You'd be surprised how many people can't actually frame a shot. "But it's in my head" they say. Yeah, well your head sucks. Then I get the footage like "WTF am I looking at?"

[@ballacaust]

This is the best tribute one could give. Wonderfully made!

[@spellhaus]

I don't know how long it's been, but I thought I could handle watching this since. Still hurt, but it was also kind of wonderful.

[@GenuineEarlGrey]

An extremely sensitive piece. I have put off watching this one for years. Great piece, M

[@VigNeshRogerKH]

I don't know why. Whenever I feel low, I see this video :) ❤️

[@Moshimoshism]

Pledged to support. Please continue making these lovingly crafted videos.

[@SimplyDudeFace]

Bravo. And yes, farewell dear Robin.

[@hebl47]

Not to be disrespectful to all other famous people who have died over the years - But Robin Williams is the only person whose death still makes me genuinely sad every time I think about it. He truly was one of a kind.

[@why3011]

+Hebl von Heblowitz Don't worry about it. They're dead.

[@DesagreableTV]

Great way to pay tribute : remembering a fantastic actor while learning about film. Props once again Tony!.

[@burbrick]

It is being a while, but you make me cry again, my friend!

[@poornimamarasini1995]

I still cry at night sometimes because I miss him so much 💔 Even though I have never met him and never will because he is already gone from this world, I feel this cosmic connection with him. I love him so much. I love you Robin and we all miss you sm.

[@LeafingThroughTheFrames]

Tony, I recently discovered your videos a few weeks ago. They're all so beautifully edited and fascinating. I learn so much each time. Thank you for this wonderful tribute to an absolutely unforgettable actor and the heart to so many of our childhoods. Keep up the great work.

[@Thomas-qs4os]

I really like your concept of putting an essay into a more visual movie-footage compilation. A written text with references to the scenes and movies wouldn´t have the same impact on me. Keep up the great work!

[@christopherfields9263]

I have been watching your videos for quite a while and I love how you analyze film. The David Fincher video is the first one I saw because I'm a huge fan of his but I truly appreciate this one the best because many people don't realize how amazing an improv performer Robin was. Keep up the great videos

[@SSonny-qs6kv]

I can tell you put a ton of love into these clips. Great stuff man!!

[@MovieManiac67]

this continues to be one of my favorite (if not my absolute favorite) channels on KZbin regarding the genre of film. I seriously hope you get a larger following, dude, you definitely deserve it. And I really appreciate how you break everything down in an easy-to-understand way - I feel as gratified about the learning experience as I am with the PBS Idea Channel. I hope you consider doing that "making of" video you mentioned (in the comments below) or one where you field a little Q&A. It'd be great to see the man behind the masterpieces. Keep on keepin' on

[@AshkerTalks]

Im from southern part of india,my father had a vhs cassette shop back then one of my first english movie was jumanji,when i find in the news Robin Williams passed away i felt like one of my childhood family member was gone,i never had the feeling before or after felt the same,he was seriously someone special more like family,RIP brother

[@Andesu]

I still can't believe he's gone, but not.