Bobcat Goldthwait’s latest creation
Bobcat Goldthwait
Critics from Indiwire say Robin Williams’ role in “World’s Greatest Dad” is his “his best role in years.” Bobcat Goldthwait has certainly caught people’s attention with his newest film, which he wrote and directed.
“World’s Greatest Dad” puts Robin Williams in a familiar role — that of a high school poetry teacher. At a private school. Where the kids wear uniforms. You can check for more similarities between “World’s Greatest Dad” and “Dead Poet’s Society” by watching the trailer at the bottom of this post. I haven’t found any others, so leave your comments if you notice anymore parallels.
More about Bobcat Goldthwait’s movie
While Robin Williams’ character, Lance Clayton, seems like the kind of guy who always gets the best personal loan rates, even the short glimpses of him in the “World’s Greatest Dad” trailer show that his life hasn’t turned out the way he imagined him.
He is a writer who has never had anything published. He has one son, who is described on IMDB as “an insufferable jackass who won’t give his father the time of day.” His girlfriend doesn’t publicly acknowledge their relationship. Sound like a comedy? Bobcat Goldthwait promises that it is.
Meet the maker
One critic on Rotten Tomatoes calls “World’s Greatest Dad” “an amazing work of dark, dark genius.” Aaron Hillis from the Village Voice says “Goldthwait wrings tender humanity from disturbing premises.”
I will admit, I found this to believe after reading that Bobcat Goldthwait has done stints as director on “The Man Show,” “Chapelle’s Show” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” However, Goldthwait has also done voicework for Disney and directed a romantic comedy, so clearly Bobcat Goldthwait is a man of many talents.
One adult for ‘World’s Greatest Dad’ please
Despite my skepticism, I definitely want to see “World’s Greatest Dad.” However, it might be a while before I get to watch it. I saw a video in which Bobcat Golthwait says you can watch “World’s Greatest Dad” online at VOD and HD Net. However, after spending a quick trip to both sites I realized that I’m going to need some off-of-work time to figure out how to use those sites.
“World’s Greatest Dad” is going to the big screen on Aug. 21, but it’s not a wide release. That means it’s only going to show in a few cities. Usually that does not include the city where I live. But perhaps if a lot of people go see it (hint! hint!) it will be more widely released later.
Moneymaking potential
Because “World’s Greatest Dad” is an independent film that is starting out as a narrow release, it probably won’t make a whole lot of money. Like the majority of comedians, Bobcat Goldthwait isn’t known for his ability to make money.
His 2006 film “Stay” was also an independent film that played only in a few theaters, and as a result it only made $10,000. There is no way that even covered half the cost of making the film. However, with Robin Williams’ stardom to attract attention, Bob Goldthwait just might end up in the black with “World’s Greatest Dad.”
Check out the “World’s Greatest Dad” trailer:
