Youre only given a little spark of madness and if you lose that, youre nothing, the late Robin Williams says in the first trailer for HBOs documentary, Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind.
The film, which premiered at Sundance, features rare footage, including scenes from the comedians standup appearances interspersed with photos. The new trailer traverses his public and private world, providing insight on the comedians life and career via his own words, alongside his friends, peers and family.
He was really comfortable onstage, Steve Martin says in the clip. Offstage, I just felt he was holding himself together. Meanwhile, Billy Crystal talks about the funny phone messages Williams would leave for him.
Williams son Zak reflects on his fathers insecurities. My father didnt always feel like he was succeeding, he remarks. But he was the most successful person I know.
Williams also discusses his craft as well as his personal battles, including footage of him speaking candidly about his fears and his issues with drugs and alcohol. Stand-up is survival, he explains. For me, thats jazz thats what I have to do.
Williams died from suicide in 2014. He was 63.
The Marina Zenovich-directed documentary also includes interviews with Eric Idle, Whoopi Goldberg, David Letterman and Pam Dawber. HBOs Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind will air on July 16th.