Review of The Fisher King (1991) by Nik B — 29 May 2012

"I only knew you were thirsty.".

Jack is a bastard of a radio talk show host. One day he says the wrong thing to the wrong guy. Said guy unloads a rifle and shoots up a local bar, and that quick- Jack's ruined. Cut to three years later, Jack is a drunk living as log's lump with the last woman who can tolerate him. Finally, in a suicide attempt, he is nearly murdered, but then saved by a nearby bum. That bum happens to be the husband of a woman killed in the aforementioned shooting.

There is hardly an actor in the Hills ho can play down-and-out drunk better than Jeff Bridges. As a delusional schizophrenic, Robin Williiams is just as amazing. With his new friend, Jack sees a road to redemption. If he can help Parry in some way, then maybe he can overcome his guilt for his homicidal inspiration. Unfortunately, the help that is requested is to help steal the Holy Grail from a billionaire's mansion. Without a perfect plan there, instead the two form a bond over trying to win the heart of the girl that Parry pines for.

Friendship, love, commitment, redemption. The values are magically portrayed by the performances of the actors and the direction of Terry Gilliam. The fact that Thelma & Louise stole the screenplay Oscar from Richard LaGravenese is a travesty. Better Oscar manners gave Mercedes Rhuel proper dues. Her portrayal of Anne is a perfect combination of a strong, no-bullshit broad and a frail girl falling for another flawed man.

Drink from the cup of human kindness. Waltz in a train station. Lay naked in a field. Defeat the Red Knight. Tell her you love her.