The Fisher King (1991)

Directed by: Terry Gilliam | 137 minutes | comedy, drama | Actors: Jeff Bridges, Robin Williams, Mercedes Ruehl, Amanda Plummer, David Hyde Pierce, Adam Bryant, Paul J. Lombardi, Ted Ross, Lara Harris, Warren Olney, Frazer Smith, Kathy Najimy, Harry Shearer, Melinda Culea, James Remini, Mark Bowden, John Ottavino, Brian Michaels, Jayce Bartok, Dan Futterman, Bradley Gregg, William Jay Marshall, William Preston, Al Fann, Stephen Bridgewater, John Heffernan, Chris Howell, Michael Jeter, Richard LaGravenese, Anita Dangler, Mark Bringleson, Johnny Paganelli, Diane Robin, John Benjamin Red, Lisa Blades, Christian Clemenson, Carlos Carrasco, Joe Jamrog, John de Lancie, Lou Hancock, Caroline Cromelin, Kathleen Bridget Kelly, Pat Fraley, Mel Bourne, Kevin Fennessy, Tom Waits

This is a story that is raw and beautiful at the same time. A magical tale of guilt, penance, forgiveness. Almost Biblical, also because of that Holy Grail. A story about people who are deep in the mud and need each other to get out of it. About how ‘coincidence’ puts you on the right path. About a happy accident. About finding your true self. A bit edifying you would say. But told with warmth and perspective at the same time. A comedy, they say. Actually, it’s more of a psychological drama with a sugar edge and an undertone of spirituality. Or is that a dirty word too? An American reviewer called it Heartbreaking hysterical Dramady, perhaps the best name. Richard LaGravenese’s script is truly genius, with psychological depth, humor and fantasy in a balanced mix. It was rightly nominated for an Oscar and a BAFTA award, the English Oscar, it’s a miracle he didn’t get them. Fortunately, the Writers Guild of America thought it was the best that year. Who, quite rightly, did receive an Oscar and four other prizes as an actress in a supporting role was Mercedes Ruehl, an actress of whom not much has been heard after this role, except for a few TV films.

In ‘The Fisher King’ she steals the show in an outfit that Rachel Hazes can still suck at. Her role is hilarious and tragic at the same time. A key role of a woman who, in all her silly vulnerability, ultimately turns out to be the strongest. Terry Gilliam, the stubborn director, also won prizes, including at the Toronto film festival. The man behind ’12 Monkeys’, ‘Baron von Münchausen’ and ‘Brazil’, a former member of the legendary Monty Python (he drew the famous animations that glue the skits together), specializes in craziness. With ‘The Fisher King’ he definitely delivers his best film, because this one, more than his other films, dives very far below the surface, without losing lightness and humor. A great achievement.

It will come as no surprise that even the casting director was awarded with this film. Because Jeff Bridges (Golden Globe nomination) is also excellently cast here as the man who, like a super arrogant blunder, plunges into the deepest hole imaginable and has to search for his human dignity. For now, he only sinks deeper, until he encounters that wacky Parry (Robin Williams, Gloden Globe) on the street who is searching for the Holy Grail and has terrifying visions of fire-breathing horses. And who’s in love with the shyest girl in town, excellently played by Amanda Plummer (BAFTA Award), you know, that girl from the opening scene of ‘Pulp Fiction’: “Nobody moves or I’ll kill every motherfuckin’ lot or you!” ‘The Fisher King’ is a modern fairy tale about battling your darkest demons. A must see for anyone who is committed to film and people.