On the set of Birdcage, before we went in the studio which held the bar set, we were told where we sat was where we were probably going to spend the rest of the week. I was in the front of the crowd at the door and sussed out immediately where I wanted to be. I walked briskly to the front of the stage and planted myself in the set right next to the stairs which descended the stage. It was the start of a memorable week.
Movie making is a tedious process. It's not all that glamorous. There is a lot of waiting around in between takes. Many stars will retire to their dressing rooms and hang out. Not Robin. He was walking among the crowd in the bar on many occasions talking and riffing and doing impressions. He learned that Al Pacino's dad, Sal was in the audience. That prompted Robin to bring his mom down and put her in the crowd of the wedding at the end of the movie.
In the movie Nathan Lane is performing the nightclub act. This was shot many times. From the audience facing Nathan. Then there was the reverse angle from the stage so they could film audience reactions. Nathan did the words of the script. We laughed. They did it again. We laughed, but less. And a again. Less reaction. Then the director, Mike Nichols who directed things like the Graduate, gave the mic to Robin. Without any preparation he did 15-30 minutes of brilliant stand up. The audience reactions were real. It was fabulous.
During filming with Robin, Mike Nichols had Robin do the script one or two times. Then Robin would get to experiment bit by bit. Then when Mike had everything he needed, he would ask Robin if he had one he wanted to do. Almost always he did. It was great to watch his creativity and freedom. Something all actors should aspire to have. "Robin's takes" were always funny but sometimes too big for the movie.
During a lull in filming one day, we were all sitting in our places waiting for things to get going again. We were waiting on lighting or camera or some such. Robin was on the stage right side of the wings. I don't really know how it started. Maybe I waved to him or something, but we started doing fake sign language to each other. I don't know if it was 5 seconds or 3 minutes. But I was RIFFING WITH ROBIN WILLIAMS! The crowd started to notice and laugh. I was focused on him and what he did, then I would respond with something I hoped would be funny and appropriate. I didn't want to disappoint him. Then the Voice of God mic released a booming voice. "Okay Robin. That's enough." It was Mike Nichols. He wasn't angry, they were just ready to go again. So like admonished school boys, we stopped. When leaving the set that day, I made my way over to Robin and said, "Thank you for riffing with me today." He smiled, nodded, and made a small noise. I think I saw a little of the shy man that was inside.
He was a very gracious and incredibly nice man. I encountered him on a few other occasions while working. I nearly hit him with the door as I came quickly into a room. He was very nice about it.
I mourn the loss of such talent and genius.His death hit me harder than anyone in a very long time.
I hope he found some peace.
