Review of The Fisher King (1991) by Critic M — 22 Apr 2014

"The Fisher King" is very strange, but is a satisfying watch overall. Terry Gilliam pushes things to an absurdist level, almost taking away from the story, but it holds together and proves to be worth the watch.

Cynical radio personality Jack Lucas (Bridges) has it all, until things come crashing down when he discovers his radio advice influenced a mass shooter. Years later he is still troubled by the event but is given an opportunity to help a psychotic homeless man named Parry, who was also affected by the shooting (Williams). Jack feels responsible and decides to do whatever he can to help Parry, even if that means helping him steal the holy grail...

Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams are both in top form and must have raked in a lot of positive acclaim for these roles. They are both excellent and absolutely make the movie. Terry Gilliam's directing style almost didn't fit this film. It was still good, but I think a Hugh Wilson (Blast From the Past) or Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting) might have been more fitting directors for this project. Gilliam did however put his trademark style on this picture and Richard LaGravenese wrote an intelligent script with depth and tremendous dialogue.

"The Fisher King" is worth checking out, especially for fans of Bridges and Williams.