"Mrs. Doubtfire" - SPOILER ALERT

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I have seen Mrs. Doubtfire a couple of times, but the last time I watched it was before Robin Williams sadly ended his own life. It was a wonderful experience revisiting this movie and remembering the talented actor he was.

I didn't realize until I saw the credits at the beginning of the movie today that "Mrs. Doubtfire" is based on the book, "Madame Doubtfire". I may eventually read the book just out of curiosity to see how similar or different it is from the movie, but this is a rare case where I don't know that I'd gain much from it. I have found that books are usually better than movies, which is understandable. There's more room for depth and details, not to mention imagination. However, although "Mrs. Doubtfire" is based on a book, I feel like the lead character was made for and could only be successfully pulled off by Robin Williams. His talent for comedy and imitating voices was utilized well in this movie. We also saw his sentimental side.

Daniel Hillard, played by Robin Williams, was my hero from beginning to end in "Mrs. Doubtfire". He was true to himself, stood up for what he believed in, and ultimately left his job because of it. He was also all about fun and making sure his children got to be...well...children. Imagine that! 

Unfortunately, his wife of more than ten years could not imagine that. Her character, Miranda, played by Sally Field, annoyed me from beginning to end. She was serious and self-centered. How did these two even end up together? I suppose opposites attract, but it seemed like she eventually (and suddenly) just got tired of Daniel and decided she wanted a divorce. As if I had much respect for her in the first place, but she really lost me when she claimed she had no choices. No choices whatsoever?? Girl, we all have some choices! (I should make it clear that my dislike for Miranda has nothing to do with Sally Field. I thought she played the role well. In fact, my strong dislike for Miranda is a testament to how well Sally Field played her role.)

So Daniel quit his job, his wife filed for divorce, and he was left to fend for himself without a family. He was only allowed visitation rights with his children on Saturdays. Knowing the eventual fate of Robin Williams, while watching this movie, I couldn't help imagining that the sadness Daniel was feeling may have been a reflection of how the actor was feeling in real life. I don't know when his inner struggles began and why they began, but I sensed the similarity. Daniel really had to deal with a lot in this movie. His own daughter even said to him once, "You're not trying hard enough." This was after he had quit his job and his wife filed for divorce. He was doing the best he could on his own. And somehow Miranda thought it was okay to barge in on him and the children in his new home. (Thankfully, she did eventually change her ways with this.)

However, the children did truly did love their father and enjoy spending time with him. They wanted him to be their housekeeper, but Miranda was not having that. Instead, she hired Mrs. Doubtfire, who, of course, was really Daniel. I know a great job was done to disguise Daniel, but I still wonder how no one in his immediate family recognized him. And didn't Miranda ask for references? It seems irresponsible of her to not further look into this Mrs. Doubtfire.

I love the inner transformation that Daniel experienced while taking on the role of Mrs. Doubtfire. He seemed to truly listen to Miranda, as she was willing to share a lot with Mrs. Doubtfire. He became more of a disciplinarian, but a loving one. He cleaned up his act and his new apartment, but of course at first Miranda thought someone else cleaned up for him because he couldn't possibly do it himself. (Cue eyeroll.) 

The movie ends, not with everyone getting their way (Daniel and Miranda did not get back together, as it seems Daniel would have liked), but with the recognition of how love and laughter are so important in life. Mrs. Doubtfire, in her new role on television, also touched on how there are different kinds of families, but that all kinds can be filled with love. And Miranda came to her senses, allowing Daniel to take care of the children after school everyday.

This movie had just the right amount of humor to balance out the serious side of what exactly was happening. It shows what a talented actor Robin Williams was because he was tasked with showing deep emotions, as well as being funny. I am so glad I watched it again and I can see myself revisiting it again in the future.