Quick Review: Your rib cage will hurt from laughter. I loved the original French film (and was never fond of the musical), so I wasn't thrilled by the idea of a remake. I thought it would just turn a wonderful comedy of manners into a slapstick farce. Instead, Mike Nichols demonstrates once again that he has a talent for combining perfect comic timing with ensemble acting. You might expect Robin Williams to dominate this film, but he fits comfortably within the ensemble. Hollywood's most famous extrovert lets Nathan Lane take the over-the-top focus as his neurotic, but charismatic life partner. Williams doesn't even try to compete with Hank Azaria in a scene-stealing minor role. Instead, he simply reacts to the madness around himeven letting Gene Hackman and Dianne Wiest take the lead in the pivotal dinner scene. It is virtually a flawless comedy. Enjoy!
An excerpt from Patrick Stoner's interview with Robin Williams.