The Fisher King
Williams is Parry, a homeless history professor who lives in a fantasy world full of castles, Red Knights and damsels in distress. Bridges co-stars as Jack, New York's #1 shock deejay, whose offhand arrogance triggers a tragedy which ruins his career. Penniless and without prospects, Jack finds himself plucked from disaster by the most improbable of saviors...Parry.
And so the amazing story of the Fisher King unfolds - a modern quest for redemption and the Holy Grail, filled with humor, heartbreak and ravishing romance.
Member Reviews
Offbeat, compelling, though awkward - clauditorium
Offbeat, compelling story of redemption features Terry Gilliam’s typically flashy visuals, but he has trouble telling a story. Some good surreal scenes. Robin Williams is funny, but he has a few wrenching moments as well. Jeff Bridges and Mercedes Ruehl are also very good.Highly underrated movie in mythic proportion - rComplex
This is quite possibly the most perfect movie ever made detailing a number of flawed but sympathetic individuals struggling to overcome the emotional repercussions of tragic events in their lives. Jack (Bridges) was a narcissistic talk radio host until his callous and careless words incited one of his listeners to kill a number of people dining at a local trendy restaurant. Abandoned by his public and deprived of his promising future, Jack hits rock bottom and lives off his sincere and supportive girlfriend while nursing his personal demons. One night, Jack is rescued from teenage assailants and his own suicidal plans by Parry (Williams), an apparently homeless and delusional man. Jack discovers that Parry was an English Professor who specialized in medieval literature and was dining with his wife the night she was killed by the gunman spurred on by Jack's words and has retreated into the character of the grail-seeking Percival besieged by the Red Knight. Seeing this as a karmic opportunity to atone for his crime in the hope of picking up on his life where he left off, Jack befriends Parry and helps him to get a date with a girl he deeply admires. Finding himself in love, with the promise of a new relationship, Parry is attacked by the Red Knight, Parry's repressed memories of the death of his wife, and falls prey to the marauding teenagers. Jack's karmic slate is wiped clean and he returns to his life, minus his girlfriend, but news of Parry's attack and catatonia spurs him to come to Parry's aid to find the only thing that will heal him-- the Holy Grail.
Even though Jack thought he had everything he ever wanted again, he still finds himself incomplete. His unwilling exposure to real people and the hardships that they faced as equals created in him a long overdue sense of compassion, gratitude, and humanity. This is the most genuine, generous and psychologically profound movie ever made. A must see for anyone who cares about anything.Personal Favorite - ChesterC
This movie is quite possibly my most favorite movie of all time. I've seen it so many times I could probably quote it to you word for word. I don't know what it is about it that I find so immensely appealing, because it is a little eccentric (maybe that's what I like about it). It is effective on many levels. (Mythic, heroic, comedic, humanist) It is a movie that isn't for everyone, but a great movie to experience, regardless. Since 9/11, it has even more emotional resonance (sadly). It's funny, tragic, and extremely entertaining. They need to make a better DVD release of it, with documentaries and commentaries, etc... Check it out if you've never seen it.
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Offbeat, compelling, though awkward - clauditorium
Offbeat, compelling story of redemption features Terry Gilliam’s typically flashy visuals, but he has trouble telling a story. Some good surreal scenes. Robin Williams is funny, but he has a few wrenching moments as well. Jeff Bridges and Mercedes Ruehl are ...Highly underrated movie in mythic proportion - rComplex
This is quite possibly the most perfect movie ever made detailing a number of flawed but sympathetic individuals struggling to overcome the emotional repercussions of tragic events in their lives. Jack (Bridges) was a narcissistic talk radio host until his ...Personal Favorite - ChesterC
This movie is quite possibly my most favorite movie of all time. I've seen it so many times I could probably quote it to you word for word. I don't know what it is about it that I find so immensely appealing, because it is a little eccentric (maybe that's ...