The Fisher King

The story of the Holy Grail goes back to the twelfth century, yet it clearly speaks to the current generation. In “The Fisher King,” released in 1991, screenplay writer Richard LaGravenese reworks this medieval legend by setting it in modern day New York City. Director Terry Gilliam originally goes into the handful of moods and settings of the city.

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat said in their review, “Jack Lucas (Jeff Bridges) is a cold, calculating shock radio disc jockey in New York City whose greed and egotism have cut him off from the rest of humanity. When a deranged man murders seven people in a bar after hearing one of his on-air tirades against yuppies, the seemingly unperturbable celebrity plunges into a dark pit of alcoholism and depression.”

Jack is calm with Anne, played by Mercedes Ruehl, a strong woman who runs a video store. However, his guilt is always with him until he meets Parry, played by the late Robin Williams. He is a former medieval history professor who became delusional after his wife was murdered in the bar shooting.

Brussat said, “At first, Jack doesn't know what to think of this half madman/half fool who claims he is a knight on a quest and is being pursued by a Red Knight only he can see. Then Jack realizes that if he can restore Parry to his former life, he might be able to assuage his own guilt.”

Part of this restoration mission involves setting Parry up with Lydia, played by Amanda Plummer, a shy accountant he becomes enamored with from a distance. The stake is raised when another disaster happens to Parry and Jack when they must recover what his friend claims to be the Holy Grail from a millionaire’s mansion on Fifth Avenue.

Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams are convincing as two rebellious men who meet when they are both sunken deep in their depression. Like the Fisher Kind, they are damaged and suffering. Then through caring and a few good works, they change each other.

Brussat noted, “The performances by Bridges and Williams are high-wire triumphs where each actor contributes to the other's dazzling leaps and somersaults.” In supporting roles, Mercedes Ruehl is lovable as Jack’s girlfriend Anne and Amanda Plummer is extraordinary as someone Parry is infatuated with: the oddball Lydia.

Brussat claims, “The Fisher King bears witness to the universal search for wholeness. It also speaks forcefully to the longing for spirituality afoot in our land. We all carry wounds as deep and unyielding as Jack's guilt and Parry's grief.” Through the good deeds done, we too can be recovered from our own suffering.

This is a good movie that everyone to see. I think a lot of people can relate to the issues Bridges and Williams’ characters are going through since so many people have fallen deep after the passing of a loved one. However, this film gives you hope that even though you are at this point in your health, there is always a guiding light to help you out of any issue you are dealing with. There’s one funny scene where at the climax of the movie, Williams’ character gets nude in Central Park. Williams admitted it was a cold night when he made the nude scene. However, the effects of this movie still look good and they are scary, especially when you see what is going on in Parry’s mind. This is one of those films that have to been seen in order to be believed. I recommend it.

Next week, I will look at another movie that is based on scary story writers in “Terry Gilliam Month.”