Being Human

Being Human is an introspective, philosophical exploration of life and humanity, as envisioned by director Bill Forsyth and starring Robin Williams. This 1994 film is rather distinct from many of the other roles in Williams' repertoire as it largely skews away from boisterous comedy to delve into escapades that reflect upon the various stages and struggles of human life across centuries and cultures.

From the off, the film introduces us to the indomitable spirit of the everyman, personified by William's character, known as Hector throughout the different eras he represents. In this film, Williams is not just the central figure but signifies the essence of human existence, relating to fundamental human experiences that remain common over the ages: love, despair, joy, loss, discovery.

Being Human is an anthology of five different stories, each one set in a distinct time period and geographic location. Each tale has Hector confronting fundamental human challenges in unique, yet remarkably relatable, ways. Embodying various incarnations over vast stretches of time, Hector's journey traverses prehistoric times as a caveman, ancient Rome, medieval Scotland, present-day New York, and the yet uncharted future. Hector's roles range from a stone age hunter-gatherer on a survival quest to a shipwrecked lone survivor, a fugitive slave, a divorced father, and finally, a time-traveling adventurer of sorts.

Stellar performances by an ensemble cast, including John Turturro and Kelly Hunter, bring depth to the supporting roles and contribute to creating an all-encompassing spectrum of human experiences. John Turturro excels in his performance, proving his versatility as an actor by portraying different characters across the narrative, while Kelly Hunter's multi-layered performances enhance the emotional expanse that the film traverses.

While the narrative of Being Human may lean towards the unconventional, its exploration of fundamental human conditions – love, fear, joy, betrayal, and forgiveness – is relatable. Certain moments of the film resonate with common experiences, whereas others provoke introspection towards the core of our existence. There are instances of compelling humor, intense emotion, poignant self-realization, and sporadic surrealism that combines into an intricate tapestry of what it means to be human.

Forsyth's storytelling style in Being Human is allegorical and atmospheric rather than being plot-driven. He leaves room for personal interpretation, allowing the audience to delve into the complexity of human nature, raising questions more than providing answers. The film retains a introspective aura throughout, creating striking, unforgettable images. Along with Michael Gibbs' music and Michael Coulter's intriguing cinematography, the film employs silence and subtlety to great effect, which intensifies the poignancy of its narrative.

This film is not a conventional Robin Williams fare. Those familiar with Williams' more comedic roles may be initially taken aback by the film's deliberative tempo and contemplative tone. However, Williams delivers a compelling performance in an intense dramatic role as the everyman, showcasing his versatility to engage the viewers through the very essence of human existence.

Being Human may not adhere to the mainstream storytelling structure, but that seems to be the whole point. Like the central theme of the film, the narrative is dense, reflective, ever-changing yet constant – much like life itself. The film nudges you to interpret, experience, reflect and acquire an understanding of humanity from its meditative perspective.

In conclusion, Being Human is an emotionally stirring journey through the ages that poses profound questions about life and existence. It is a bold contemplative narrative, showcasing Robin Williams in one of his most distinct roles. It provides a cinematic exploration of the resilience of the human spirit, the struggles we face, and the triumphs that come our way through living a life. This film is for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema that is daring in its narrative and deep in its contemplation.