Amazon.com Essentials:
Barry Levinson (Wag the Dog)
directed this comedy-drama about an Armed Forces Radio disc jockey
(Robin Williams) whose manic, hilarious delivery from a studio in 1965
Saigon gives U.S. troops in the field a morale boost (while upsetting
military brass). Based on the real-life experiences of deejay Adrian
Cronauer, the film is actually more concept than story: put Williams
in front of a microphone and let him go nuts. Still, the surrounding
stuff about the influence upon Cronauer of the endless deaths among
his listeners--as Cronauer tries to stay funny while feeling the
mounting losses--is affecting. Williams got a much-deserved Oscar
nomination for his work. --Tom Keogh
Amazon.com Essentials:
Barry Levinson (Wag the Dog)
directed this comedy-drama about an Armed Forces Radio disc jockey
(Robin Williams) whose manic, hilarious delivery from a studio in 1965
Saigon gives U.S. troops in the field a morale boost (while upsetting
military brass). Based on the real-life experiences of deejay Adrian
Cronauer, the film is actually more concept than story: put Williams
in front of a microphone and let him go nuts. Still, the surrounding
stuff about the influence upon Cronauer of the endless deaths among
his listeners--as Cronauer tries to stay funny while feeling the
mounting losses--is affecting. Williams got a much-deserved Oscar
nomination for his work. DVD release available. --Tom Keogh
