It has been a little over a year since the passing of Robin Williams yet he is still remembered through his incredibly diverse body of work. He was a comedian with his own special brand of humor. It was humor that I couldn’t always connect with. But over the years Williams proved himself to be more than a shallow, one dimensional actor.
While he had caught attention with some earlier performances, “Good Morning Vietnam” gave Williams his big break. In each of his previous films Williams was kept on a leash. This was the first movie to allow his nutty, hyperactive comedy to run wild. Audiences and critics loved it. The movie was a huge box office success and Williams would earn an Academy Award nomination.
But “Good Morning Vietnam” offered Williams a chance to do more than just give frenzied comedy routines. The story features several dramatic turns which Williams deftly handles with an eye-opening proficiency. For me these dramatic moments are what sets the film apart and these scenes are what make Williams’ performance so special.
Williams plays Airman Adrian Cronauer, a DJ for the Armed Forces Radio. It’s 1965 and he has been reassigned to Saigon where the Vietnam conflict is growing in intensity. The broadcasts have mainly consisted of a tame pre-selected playlist and sanitized and censored news meant to control the information flow to the troops. But Adrian is a bit…different. His irreverent on-air humor and constant rule-breaking sparks the ire of his superiors but is hugely popular with the troops and his fellow DJs.
Writer Mitch Markowitz’s story features several on-air monologues. He and director Barry Levinson hands them over to Williams and lets him go. It has been said that much of the manic comedy we get was improvised by Williams. Lightning fast quips, heavy sarcasm, and a number of impersonations including Walter Cronkite, Richard Nixon, and Elvis Presley. It’s truly impressive even if I didn’t find a lot of it funny. But even if it isn’t my type of humor, it’s easy to appreciate what Williams is doing.
While this is essentially a comedy, one of my favorite things about it is how well it represents the locations, atmosphere, and complexities of Vietnam in 1965. The film was shot in Bangkok, Thailand and utilizes numerous parts of the city. Much of this is realized through relationships Adrain forms namely with a beautiful young local (Chintara Sukapatana) and her protective brother (Tung Thanh Tran). Through them Adrian is introduced to a number of the harsh social and political realities
Forest Whitacker, Robert Wuhl, Bruno Kirby, and Noble Willingham round out a fine supporting cast but Williams is the movie’s heart and soul. This was the film that launched his career to new heights and many people were introduced to his impressive diversity as an actor. I still don’t think the manic humor is nearly as funny as it is admirable, but when Williams is allowed to stretch out dramatically he gives us some of film’s best scenes. Those are the moments when “Good Morning Vietnam” stands out.
VERDICT – 3.5 STARS
keithandthemovies.com 
I remember watching this during my AP US History class after we finished our final. I did enjoy a lot about Good Morning Vietnam, in particular Robin Williams’ performance, but I don’t think it quite measures up to Full Metal Jacket as a war satire. Nice review Keith.
I agree with you, but I’m not certain it wants to be a war satire of the level of FMJ. Kubrick went full blast, guns blazing (dopey pun intended).
Great review Keith!
Thanks Zoe. Have you seen this one?
I am almost sure I did as a kid, but it is something I want to watch to confirm that I did see it, and even if I did, now that I am older I can actually appreciate it!
Before I rewatched it for this review it had been years since I saw it last. I couldn’t tell you when the last time was.
OMG I can’t believe I still haven’t seen this one, shame on me Keith! I still miss Robin Williams and this sounds like a role tailor made for him.
It really is Ruth. This was kind of a turning point for him. And even though I didn’t always find him funny, you have to admire what he does in this movie. If I remember right you are a pretty big fan of his, right?
Yeah I admired him though I haven’t seen all of his work. I think he’s one of the most gifted actors, not just as a comedian as he’s done some great serious roles too.
Agreed. And as I said I think it is his dramatic work that has really made me appreciate him the most.
Nice review, and I agree with your rating. I haven’t seen this since its original release. Williams was a talent!
Thanks Cindy. He is pretty marvelous here. Did you think his comedy routines were a bit too manic in this movie? But again, even though I didn’t always find him funny I certainly admired the performance.
Yes. Unfortunately, his addiction to cocaine was obvious in the manic side of him. He was funny–but did go overboard at times, just like Jim Carrey.
I think you’re right.
I’m in the same boat as Ruth, I feel guilty for not having seen this already. For Robin Williams alone I need to change this. I also agree that a lot of Willams’ fast-talking shtick is hit and miss but his dramatic abilities are what make him a really unique performer. Ah, how I miss him.
The dramatic moments are what really stuck with me in this film. I think this is the one that opened people’s eyes to his talents beyond comedy. You should give it a look.
D’ya know, I still am yet to see this and when Robin Williams passed I intended to finally check it out and hope to eventually (the world of film fandom is eternally busy)! Great review Keith!
Thanks Chris. Before revisiting it for this review it had been years since I last saw it. In many regards this felt like a fresh viewing. There were so many details that I didn’t remember. It was definitely a pivotal movie for Robin Williams.
I first watched this in a film class when I was in college. It was the first Robin Williams film I had seen that was pre-Aladdin which was my first exposure to him as a child. I always knew the comedy was there but the dramatic capabilities he had were great stuff to view. Especially in this film.
YES! You are so right. His dramatic chops really show in this one. I think that’s the single thing that has always set this movie apart for me. Were you a big fan of his comedy? Honestly I always thought his brand of humor was pretty hit or miss. But I think he is sometimes overlooked as a really powerful dramatic actor.