Culture

Classic Film

Through the eyes of young me, Mrs Doubtfire was a hilarious film that made me cry with laughter. However, through the eyes of “adult” me, Mrs Doubtfire is actually a pretty heart-breaking film that just made me cry. Blame it on the cold, harsh realities that my sheltered, suburban life has given me.

Mrs Doubtfire tells the story of cool dad, Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams), who abruptly quits his job and proceeds to throw a birthday party for his son, Chris (Matthew Lawrence) despite his bad report card. When Daniel’s humourless wife, Miranda (Sally Field), returns to a house full of barnyard animals, she angrily demands a divorce. Miranda is given custody of the children while Daniel can only see them on Saturdays.

In order to spend more time with his kids, and with the help of his Hollywood make-up artist brother, Frank (Harvey Fierstein), Daniel pretends to be an elderly Scottish lady named Euphegenia Doubtfire, and he looks the part. Once the body suit and mask are on, all you see is Mrs Doubtfire. Mrs Doubtfire is hired by Miranda to look after her children, and he learns a thing or two along the way. As Mrs Doubtfire, Daniel cooks, cleans, and even gains a newfound perspective - one that allows him to see his past behaviour and his current situation in a serious and mature light. However, there are plenty of happy, light-hearted moments too; Daniel eventually lands himself a fulfilling job and gets to spend more time with his kids, as their Dad.

I think what I found so upsetting about this film was that I was essentially watching a man’s desperate attempt to be with his children. However, Mrs Doubtfire is a comedy for a reason. The jokes that once went over my head were finally given their overdue laughter, and Williams’ impersonation of a hot dog is cinematic gold and undoubtedly the reason Mrs Doubtfire won two Golden Globe Awards! I highly recommend Mrs Doubtfire and it’ll always be one of those Saturday evening television films that I camp in the living room for.