Based on what is shown in the video, the funeral that took place was a traditional full-service funeral that includes the viewing or visitation. Robin Williams’ character shows up to pay his condolences alongside the family and close friends, although it turns out he only knows the deceased person through shared trips on public trains. Publicly held events like funerals and weddings are frequently used as setting for comedy skits as guests are usually not familiar with each other and could only assume other people’s relations with the deceased person.
Robin William’s character is surprised to see the wife’s ability to control herself and her emotions; he constantly asks her if she feels terrible or if she wants to be keen. The wife eventually gives up and starts weeping while also exuding mournful sounds. The sound healing element of the skit is universal and is widely known in relation to grief and mourning. The body releases some part of the stress and tension by a natural process of making weeping sounds. The element of letting go and directly facing emotions of grief are also frequently used, although people usually try to keep themselves together in public and let go in private.
After the tragic demise of Williams, people have rediscovered that he frequently made comments on topics of death and depression throughout his career. What should be noted from this skit is how he accentuated that the whole point of death is that it is inevitable and unexpected (Begbie, 2007). Perhaps at the time of filming the skit, he has not yet come to the ideas he later expressed about death and how people should not be afraid of it and treat it with humanity. The matter does not necessarily imply a whole other way of taking the humor of the skit, but it points to the differences in younger Williams’ outlook on death.
My reaction to the video was positive; I agree that people should not be afraid to express their feelings, especially after losing their loved ones. Even if it involves an appearance of a suspicious stranger, the methods he introduced to Burnett’s character have made her feel better. Sometimes people need a stranger to point to the things their friends and family are usually afraid to tell.
Reference
Begbie, T. (2007). Carol Burnett and Robin Williams – The Funeral. YouTube. Web.