When making a documentary about Robin Williams, it is so easy for the proceedings to turn into little more of a "greatest hits" compilation, so to speak. Cut together some of his best film scenes, talk show appearances, and stand up routines, and that doc would get a 7/10 rating form me in perpetuity. But in order to add something original to the coverage of Williams' life, an outside-the-box topic must be picked and stuck to. That is exactly what "Robin's Wish" does and is ultimately a great doc because of it.
"Robin's Wish" is very focused on the final few months of Robin's life--where he was clearly in an odd mental decline--and then the post-death diagnosis of Lewy body dementia. Largely shepherded by his final wife Susan, the record gets set straight here that Williams did not die of depression or drug use. He had a medical condition that quite literally attacked his brain.
Though incredibly well put-together, this doc is often very difficult to watch, what with the knowledge now that Williams was struggling with a disease he never fully understood in life. For a man in which a quick brain was his stock-and-trade, it must have been devastating to be stripped out that and not understand why.
About the only reason I can't give "Robin's Wish" the full 10/10 ranking is because it lacks input from many of his closest family members. Unfortunately, I believe this is because Susan Williams is not looked upon fondly by certain family members and a division exists there. That being said, there are no sour grapes aired out here. It more just a "conspicuous absence" sort of deal.
Overall, though, this is a top-notch look at the last days of Robin Williams' life, and the type of legacy the diagnose of Lewy body disease may have on his future legacy. Though incredibly sad in spots, it is also inspiring in that Robin's robust life legacy can be used to help others battling similar brain ailments.
