Robin Williams ridicules Bush (at Berlin Film Fest)

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter ^ | 02-12-04 | Scott Roxborough

[veronica]

BERLIN (Hollywood Reporter) - The Berlin Film Festival has gotten a much-needed shot of levity when Robin Williams turned the news conference for Omar Naim's sci-fi thriller "The Final Cut" into a free-association comedy routine.

Williams got the biggest laughs from the packed room of international journalists and critics on Wednesday when he started taking shots at the Bush government and its search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

"Bush is complaining about a lack of intelligence, which seems sort of redundant," Williams joked. "They say they don't know if Iraq had any WMDs -- well, all they have to do is ask (Vice President Dick) Cheney for the receipts."

Set in a near future in which people can have a computer chip implanted in their brains that records their entire lives, "The Final Cut" was well received by the Berlin crowd in its competition bow, with hearty cheers greeting it at the sold-out press screenings.

Williams plays a video editor who splices together the deceased's recorded memories, cutting out anything unpleasant to make horrible lives into picture postcards.

Asked what he would cut out of the movie of his life, Williams quipped, "Probably those years I was drinking -- but that seems to have happened already."

[HairOfTheDog]

Agreed... Even if he hadn't gone USO... Robin Williams, and many other comedians do standup jokes about the president, whoever is in office. It is nuance that is not likely to fly on foreign soil, but the joke is no different than Bob Hope, Jay Leno, Johnny Carson and Letterman have done. It's comedy. Sometimes it works.... sometimes you hope the next joke is better.

[Charles Martel]

Kinda makes me wonder what I ever saw in the likes of Mork!

"Mork" was mildly entertaining, as I recall. Can't be sure, though, as I mostly concentrated on Mindy. :-)

[jeremiah]

I watched a comedy tape of Robin Williams in '03, it was much worse towards the Republicans and Bush/Cheney than these remarks. He has used humor against politicians for years, just that most of his audience is far left liberal, so he caters to them. I cringe anymore when listening to most comedians, had my funny bone blown off during the Clinton Wars I guess.

[donozark]

Perhaps you do have more of a life than I. But why waste it watching lousy movies...? Also, this isn't the first time this reprobate has made statements on foreign soil...If I had any of his movies, I would have taken them out and shot them with my AK, as I did 4 Dixie Chicks CDs.

[Prodigal Son]

But why waste it watching lousy movies...?

My time is mine to define. It is not a waste just because you think so nor is something lousy to me just because you think so. I don't own a television- do you? Why waste your time? You see how that works?

I like Robin Williams. You don't like it- tough. If he wants to criticize the President- more power to him. You have the same right and many Freepers excercise that right daily. Nowhere does Bush get Bashed worse than right here on this forum.

[Prodigal Son]

Why is he an idiot? Because he made some soldiers happy? Because he decided to take part in the war effort? It's hard for me to fault him for that to tell you the truth.

[weegee]

"They say they don't know if Iraq had any WMDs -- well, all they have to do is ask (Vice President Dick) Cheney for the receipts."

Actually the missiles appear to have come from France, Robin. In violation of UN treaties.

[donozark]

So you have no problem with him running down the country (not just Bush) on foreign soil? Williams is nothing but a Clinton towel boy. Always was, always will be.

Yes, I own a TV. But it is seldom on. Works poorly out in the sticks. When it is on? I watch FOX/CNBC...Kudlow/Kramer are too die for...

[weegee]

Jane Fonda and Axis Sally visited American troops too.

[Hildy]

Robin Williams does have some kind of syndrome. He just can't stop being "ON." It's funny, until it's not if you know what I mean. I've heard for a long time that there are few comedians who will share the stage with him. Makes sense.

[weegee]

I suppose he'll also claim he's a veteran. He played a dj in Good Morning Vietnam. Adrian Cronauer?

By that logic, Robin Williams can also claim to being a conservative Republican since Adrian is one.

[Prodigal Son]

How's he running down the country? When he entertains the troops? The man's entitled to speak his mind.

[donozark]

You are obviously unfamiliar with him as well as his past pronouncements. Apparently you aren't a gun-owner or you wouldn't $upport this saw-off little slug. He is a virulent anti. Put 2 and 2 together...But hey, your money is your money.

[Prodigal Son]

But hey, your money is your money.

Thanks. You're right. No matter what you say- the man has the right to speak. He's supported the war effort. He's brought a smile to the faces of US soldiers that you and I sent into danger. He's entertained me greatly over the years. I don't care if you don't like it or not.

[donozark]

He supported the "war effort?" Are you serious? By that definition, Cher did also. She visited troops at Walter Reed, then emerged to blast Bush and the little vehicles our troops have to ride in.

Barbara Streisand oft times plays to Republican audiences, then chastises them for being Republican. Residents of Buchenwald found Wagner soothing as well ...Why reward our enemies? We are after all, in a war. On foreign shores as well as here at home. Are you not a gun-owner? Not interested in RKBA? Williams comes up short in many, many areas of great importance.

[Prodigal Son]

Aye, he did. He went overseas and entertained the troops. You can't take that away from him as much as you'd like to. I don't care if you don't agree with me. I don't live my life by asking other people for an opinion. If Babs plays to the troops- more power to her. It amuses me, to tell the truth, that you disagree with her. I have my opinion and am PROUD of it.

I like Robin Williams. He has brought me a lot of entertainment in this life. You don't like it? That's just that more entertainment I credit him with.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

Please FReepmail me if you want on/off this ping list.

[Prodigal Son]

Are you not a gun-owner?

I travel too much to be a gun owner. I don't have a true fixed residence. This year the UK, next year Australia- or where ever. I live my life the way I want.

[<1/1,000,000th%]

Did williams pee in his pants again?