#228: Mrs. Doubtfire

Release Date: November 26th, 1993

Format: Streaming (Tubi)

Written by: Leslie Dixon and Randi Mayem Singer

Directed by: Chris Columbus

2.5 Stars

If you’re an older millennial, there’s a decent chance that 1993’s Mrs. Doubtfire was a part of your childhood. It was one of those movies that came around at a perfect time and place, and achieved a degree of immortality for an entire generation. Watching it today for the, oh, let’s say 30th time in my life, can I explain why it grossed nearly half a billion dollars at the box office back in ‘93? Or why it was one of the top selling VHS tapes of all-time? No, not really. 

In the years since its release, there has been a noted backlash against the movie in certain circles, and they have a point. It’s a bit misogynistic. For example, Sally Fields’ character, Miranda, is the antagonist for the bulk of the film, despite the fact that she is a loving mother and the only financial provider for her family. So why’s she the film’s bad guy? Her crime is that she’s simply not amused by the wacky antics of her unemployed husband, Daniel, iconically played by Robin Williams. Daniel is the type of guy that ‘90s comedies loved, with an elastic face and a quick quip at the ready at all times. He’s like a giant kid, and when you’re a kid, that’s pretty cool. But like a kid, Daniel doesn’t want to hold a full-time job. When Miranda proceeds to divorce Daniel because of his childish antics, the court asks him to get a job in order to earn part-time custody of his children. Daniel has other plans. Rather than respect his wife’s and the court’s wishes, Daniel makes the psychotic decision to have a custom-made body suit and latex facial prosthetics made by his brother, a professional makeup artist, so he can go undercover as his soon-to-be ex-wife’s full-time nanny for their children.

It’s some real The Hand That Rocks the Cradle-level derangement, that apparently everybody was just fine with back in 1993, but doesn’t look great in the years since.

I don’t mind the plot conceit. Sure it’s impossible that Miranda and kids wouldn’t recognize him, and sure it’s inherently a bit transphobic that the film’s primary comedic element is how ridiculous it is for a man to look like a woman, but I really don’t think the movie comes from a place of judgement or trying to punch down. Maybe it does judge, and maybe it does punch down, but I think the filmmakers’ sole intent is about getting Robin Williams into a funny costume and having him do a funny voice.

And when you’re a kid, a funny costume and a funny voice go a long way. Director Chris Columbus gives Robin Williams a long leash in the film, miles of it, and you can understand why. He’s almost singularly suited for a role like this, where he can combine broad physical comedy with improvisational silliness, and still hit occasional notes of anger and sadness.

It’s a great performance in a movie that doesn’t make sense and hasn’t aged well. Maybe that will be the film’s enduring legacy 100 years from now, but as long as there are some millennials around, the words “Mrs. Doubtfire” will conjure up some warm, if misguided, memories from their past.