The Fisher King
(Terry Gilliam, 1991)
A former radio DJ, suicidally
despondent because of a terrible mistake he made, finds redemption in helping a
deranged homeless man who was an unwitting victim of that mistake.
Jack Lucas (Jeff
Bridges) is a radio DJ and the man of the city. He is about to become the
star of his own sitcom. Everything is doing fine for him and his influence on
the air is even as big as his ego. His world falls apart when a man influenced by
his answer on the air does a monstrous act that lets the blame on Lucas. Three
years later, we follow a depressive/drunk/suicidal Lucas living in what could
have been his life if he didn’t blew it. Still as self-centered as the yuppie
he was and just like Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life, Lucas meets Perry
(Robin Williams), a strange almost
crazy man that is connected with him. Trying to even things with the greater
power Jack tries to help Perry the best he can. In the way, both men are
helping each other to get out of their own miseries.
Former Monthy
Python director Terry Gilliam,
sinks his teeth in a film that is more human and less fantasy than his
masterpiece Brazil. Even if Perry’s
quest is of Arthurian grandeur, the setting of early 1990’s New York City and
the human drama that it represents seem to be harder themes for Gilliam. They only
seem, because the personal approach to the whole thing might feel a little Fellinian
or unsettling but the use of uncommon camera angles and the transitions between
fantasy and reality are well handled. Just like the best films from Federico Fellini, a clear influence on
Gilliam. At first, this directing feels a little disconnected and even outdated
but once you get pass it, it’s a part of the charm.
On the acting side of things, Jeff Bridges is
brilliant, well is he ever been less than brilliant? His length and complex
composition perfectly fits for this widely uncommon human drama. Plus, he is
paired with one of the most obvious moment stealer: Robin Williams. The later
is one heck of an actor when he can be mastered and well directed to
concentrate his energy and huge tendency to improvise and be the clown.
Portraying a mentally ill man was one of the best personification he must have
been asked to do. He feels right for the role and even he later in his career he
seems to be cast to play the same trick every time here he brings something to
Perry that few actors could have achieved.
Often overlooked, The
Fisher King is a poignant film that reminded me of the early 1990’s and
represents a way to make movies like only one man does: Terry Gilliam. With
great performances and actual themes, I recommend this film.
The review of
this film is dedicated to the victims and families of the tragedy that occurred
in Aurora, Colorado on July 20 2012. The subject matter of the film might not
treat directly to what sadly happened but deals with some elements that
occurred. Our thoughts are with you.
