While most great comedy comes at the sake of the comic's ability to forget one's self and sacrifice dignity and respectability for the audience, one comic's freakish ability to transform himself begs the questiton: Is Robin Williams self-aware?
Webter's defines the term "self-aware" as: having self-knowledge; self-consciousness; being self-cognizant. Does world-famous comedian Robin Williams possess any of these attributes? Let us examine.
The following clip is from an interview on Late Night with David Letterman:
Notice that for not one moment does the comedian seem aware that the questions he is being asked require cognizant and at least somewhat related answers. Occasionally, Williams begins by repeating some of the words found in the questions, but follows with ramblings that are at times in-cohesive and violently strange. In the same way that an animal (with the exception of dolphins, certain monkeys, and elephants) are only capable of their instinctive behaviors, Williams acts in a similar manner.
Dog owners often feel connected to their pet because at times, the dog seems able to communicate back to its owner. In reality, the dog is only acting out of instinct and learned behaviors in order to preserve its self and its standard of known life. Robin Williams appears to exhibit the exact same behaviors, only on a human level.
Another prime example is found in part 2 of this interview (which can be viewed immediately after part 1 by clicking the link in the same video box). Letterman begins part 2 by essentially asking Williams to recognize himself as human, but Williams again appears incapable of doing so.
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As said in part two of the interview. Robin plays a slightly mentally retarded character. Followed by this " You know, it's not that much of a stretch." These few words led me down a path that made me think, if only for a split second, Robin may be slighly self aware. That rediculus idea evaporated very swiftly. Then I realized... he was playing a role in a film. In the ROLE he was slightly mentally retarded. He has no idea that he may be mentally challenged himself.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Austin Jasurda
Austin,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up an excellent point. In the world of science, we can only be sure of what has been tested and confirmed repeatedly, and over time. Just like scientists continue to learn about animals who are self-aware, it may be one day proven that Robin Williams is in fact self-aware. Until then, we can not speculate any further. Thank you for your input!
R.M.
I think you are on to something with the study of this interesting specimen that goes by the name of "Robin Williams". He portrays a behavior that is much more primitive than most in the comedic species. The audience seems to applaud whenever he is able to return a coherent response. This reminds me of the positive praise people often give to specimens that surprisingly respond after a long bout of mental paralysis. They get excited about the possibility of him having the smallest sliver of self-awareness.
ReplyDeleteThat may actually be the calmest I have seen Robin Williams. Honestly. I have another thought for you that may put this all in perspective. You may have reached a little too low when considering Williams and his "self awareness". I would like to make an argument for "self actualization". Defined as: "the achievement of one's full potential through creativity, independence, spontaneity, and a grasp of the real world", one could say that self actualization can raise you a level above the "common man", to a place of "real understanding" of the world around you. Williams not only seems aware of this world, but of other worlds we've never heard of. When going on to an "entertainment program" such as David Letterman, what can one expect to be asked, but everyday, set-up questions which allow the guest to tell pre-set answers or stories. This would certainly be enough for the "self-aware" person to handle, but not nearly enough for the self actualized man. You'll notice that Williams will understand the question coming and realize that the result of the answer will not be the funniest possible moment and so he either takes it in a funnier direction, or disregards the question all together and makes up something on the spot. Sure, half of it doesn't make sense to us and he seems to be quite disturbed. But don't forget, we are NOT self actualized and neither is David Letterman so we couldn't possibly "fully understand" his line of thinking as it is levels of "understanding" above our own simple, self-aware, 9 to 5, Pavlovian brains. So we need to appreciate the times we're lucky enough to watch someone as "aware" and "ahead" of his time.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your time and consideration of what I've had to say...