Review of The Fisher King (1991) by Kristin D — 23 Apr 2012

After the nightmare of making The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988), and it's subsequent failure, Terry Gilliam needed a change of pace, and he found it in writer Richard LaGravenese's original script.

The change of pace would mark a new phase in Gilliam's career, one in America which would be brief but a brilliant glimmer at what Gilliam could do in the studio system he hates, but it is absolutely brilliant.

In New York, it has controversial radio DJ Jack Lucas (Jeff Bridges) losing his job on the radio after an off-the-cuff remark led to a massacre in a posh bar. 3 years later, he's down on his luck, working in a run down video rental shop ran by girlfriend Anne (Mercedes Ruehl, whose strong-willed, earthy performance won her an Oscar).

Drunk and depressed, Jack considers topping himself, until he's found by eccentric vagrant Parry (Robin Williams), who was a victim of the shooting caused by Jack's remarks. Now wracked with guilt, Jack goes about trying to help him, from getting Parry in a relationship with dream-girl Lydia (Amanda Plummer), and finding the Holy Grail, which is a meagre trophy.

Not the first time Gilliam has done a film with the Holy Grail in, but this is a touch and moving comedy-drama, with brilliant performances and some brilliant set pieces, including a jaw-dropping waltz at Grand Central Station, and a scene-stealing cameo by the late, great Michael Jeter.

If this was Gilliam selling out to Hollywood, could he do it again please?? He showed such panache and gravitas first time out, it would be great to see him do it again.