Review of The Fisher King (1991) by Toggo U — 10 Jun 2012

Terry Gilliam is one of my favorite directors, and this is just another reason why I love him so much. The cinematography is brilliant, and the set designs (especially in Parry's basement) is so detailed and articulate that it's to die for. Also, gotta love the costume for the Red Knight and his horse. I love the huge sticks that are jutting out of his back. The Fisher King is a fantastical joyride.

Jack Lucas is the Howard Stern (in his heyday) of his time. He has it all. Women, money and the voice that people have grown to love hearing broadcasted over the radio. However, this soon turns upside down when his ego picks up and he gives a listener some bad advice, which results in the listener shooting up a bar full of all those yuppies that Jack preaches about hating. Three years go by and now Jack works at a video store. He decides to go out for a bit and end his life (since he'll never have his kingdom back) when he meets Perry who saves him from angsty teenagers. Things turn upside down when Jack realizes that his wife was murdered at the same bar that the disgruntled listener shot up.

What follows is a tale in search for redemption and grace. Perry is searching for a holy grail, which he hopes will purify himself and save him from the brooding Red Knight that trails him around New York City while Jack decides to help out Perry in an act to redeem himself for all the wrong he has committed in his earlier life. Hilarious, energetic and sad, this is probably one of my favorite Gilliam movies, only being out shadowed by Brazil. A must-see.