In the film, World’s Greatest Dad, the character Lance Clayton played by Robin Williams is a man who has learnt to settle. He dreamed of being a rich and famous author but has been rejected so many times he is now jealous of success of others.
His biggest fear in life at the start of the film is being alone.
In the beginning of the film we see his dream of being an author not only brings him money but he is surrounded with beautiful woman. His fear of being alone is driving his ambition.
He promises himself if his fifth novel is rejected he will give up writing.
He is called a freak by his son, who ties himself up to masturbate, a knock against his self esteem.
He disputes with his son on the type of music, that shows he has no authority over his son. His son puts his dirty feet over the car dashboard in a sign of disobedience.
Headmaster talks to Lance about declining numbers in his poetry class and the threat of redundancy is raised. Another slam against the flaw of Lance.
Clare is the only one who shows him any respect but she is changeable and ditsy.
Lance’s son is caught fighting and highlights Lance’s inability to bring up his son as Headmaster suggests his son is sent to a special school.
Lance’s ex-wife has her own life elsewhere in another knock to Lance’s ego.
Teacher’s congratulate Mike on being a published author in the NEW YORKER. Another slam to Lance’s flaw as he has been beaten by a fellow teacher, not only in running a more successful class but getting published. Lance brings up the fact Mike is separated but this backfires as it raises attention of Clare.
Andrew, Lance’s son’s friend, is the only one who relates to Lance because he is dealing with his own self esteem issues because his Mum is an alcoholic.
These scenes set up the goals of the movie as Lance seeks out the success and attention of being an author to stop his fear of being alone.
