Hook
The story of Peter Pan has had several iterations over the years, but in 1991, director Steven Spielberg put his own take on the tale. When it came to casting the part of a boy who never wanted to grow up, Robin Williams was an obvious choice, for he made a career of reminding us to forget we were grown up. Hook is the first time that the talents of Williams met the talents of Spielberg, and for this writer, it did not disappoint. While it is often considered a minor entry in the Spielberg canon, Hook features yet another one of Williams’ heartfelt, fun, smile-inducing performances.
In a twist on the classic story, Williams plays a Peter Pan, who does indeed grow up. Now named Peter Banning, he is a father and a businessman who is preoccupied in his work, causing him to miss out on the lives of his son and daughter. Not only has he lost the traits that define Peter Pan, he does not even remember his former life of leading Lost Boys and fighting pirates. However, when Captain Hook (played by a scene-chewing Dustin Hoffman), kidnaps Peter’s children, Peter must return to Neverland to rescue them. In order to confront his past enemy, Peter must first confront his past self, and reclaim the mischievousness and exuberance that defines The Pan.
Hook is an inspired take on the traditional narrative, going beyond being just another version and instead expanding the story we know, adding its own style and substance. The production value of the film shines through, and didn’t go unnoticed, as it was recognized with five Academy Award nominations, including John Williams’ delightful score. But nothing compares to Robin Williams’ contributions.
As the film progresses, and the serious Peter Banning becomes the playful Peter Pan, it is clear that Williams begins to inhabit a personality not very different from his own. He allows the audience to feel as carefree as his acting appears, for he is the definitive Pan. As such, Williams is able to showcase what made him so great and so endearing: his enthusiasm, lightheartedness, child-like wonder, and larger-than-life personality.
Peter Pan is an ideal, a symbol of innocence and playfulness and laughter. He never wanted to grow up, and served as a reminder to always hold on to the child within us. Robin Williams reminded us of this, too, in role after role and year after year. He was the modern-day Peter Pan: full of energy, bringing us joy, and showing us that life is an awfully big adventure. There really wasn’t a more fitting role for a man of such talents and cheer.
– Kyle Miskell