Seize the Day (1986 Fielder Cook)

Not a film for those feeling depressed, Ronald Ribman's adaptation of Saul Bellow's 1956 novel features a number of vividly captured but unsympathetic characters, starting with Robin Williams, who has the temper of snake that's been run over by a wagon. He's his own worst enemy, though his situation is hardly helped by venal ex Katherine Borowitz, heartless father Joseph Wiseman and philosophical scam artist Jerry Stiller. Well acted, claustrophobic (made moreso by its 4x3 framing), with canny and intrusive sound design. Produced by 'Learning in Focus' (presumably for American TV), featuring well-known faces such as John Feidler and Tony Roberts.