Film review: Boulevard – Robin Williams faces personal demons in last role
Comic actor struggles to make his character, a closeted homosexual trapped in a loveless marriage who falls for a rent boy, appear sympathetic in a film that's too thinly sketched
The final starring role for actor Robin Williams is an uncharacteristically reserved performance in what proves a disappointing swansong for the late comedian.
Best known for his hyperactive turns in Aladdin and Mrs. Doubtfire, or as the man-child hero of Hook, Williams was at his best blending comedy with drama in Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets Society and The Fisher King. Weightier roles, such as his Oscar-winning performance in Good Will Hunting, or as the villain of Christopher Nolan’s Insomnia, further showcased his versatility.
Boulevard’s protagonist, Nolan Mack, is a closeted homosexual trapped in a loveless marriage. The role provides obvious appeal for Williams, but Dito Montiel’s film often feels like an interesting idea left largely undeveloped.
When Nolan impulsively picks up a rent boy (Roberto Aguire) one night, he experiences a world he has always denied himself. As he proceeds to explore his sexuality, he grows closer to young Leo, which inevitably leads to problems for all concerned.