Andrew Creer There were many moments throughout Fisher King where I found myself thinking, "What in the actual Hell is going on?". The thing about this film is that it is so strange - and yet it just works. It simply in my opinion, is a masterpiece rarely seen from comedies.First off, Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams are perfect. This was a role from Robin where I found myself saying, "There is no one who could've played that role more perfectly." Without Williams playing his very particular role, I have no clue what The Fisher King would've been. The hilarious rantings and ravings of Robin in this role truly show that he is something that we will never experience again. If Williams hadn't been up against Anthony Hopkins that year, I'm positive he would've won the Academy Award. Thinking about it now, I think it is up for debate that Robin Williams should've won the Oscar that year - I'm dead serious. He's that good.But it isn't just Williams's performance that makes this movie so great. This is rare example of a comedy that has a story and characters that we ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT. It is no wonder this film has been tagged as being a "dramedy" because it isn't just funny - it's dark, intriguing, unique, and yes there are moments where you will hysterically laugh yourself to tears. The major flaw with most comedies I've seen, is that the story sucks. Most comedy films are described as having great "parts". The Fisher King is just simply: great. Instead of being a bunch of funny parts inter-tangled with an attempt at a story (which is what we see in a lot of comedies) this is a great story that also subsequently - is hysterical.Overall this is one of my favorite comedies, and one of my favorite films. If you are expecting a typical comedy with a bare minimum story but has funny aspects - you will be sorely disappointed. However, if you are looking for a great film that just turns out is also hilarious - you've come to the right place.

NateWatchesCoolMovies Tragic. Uplifting. Comical. Bittersweet. One of a kind. Terry Gilliam's The Fisher King takes on mental illness by way of a fantastical approach, an odd mix on the surface, but totally fitting and really the only way to put the audience inside a psyche belonging to one of these beautiful, broken creatures. Sometimes an unlikely friendship springs from a tragedy, in this case between a scrappy ex radio DJ (Jeff Bridges) and a now homeless, mentally unstable ex professor of medieval history (Robin Williams). Bridges was partly responsible for an unfortunate incident that contributed to William's condition, and feels kind of responsible, accompanying him on many a nocturnal odyssey and surreal journey through New York City, an unlikely duo brought together by the whimsical cogs of fate that seem to turn in every Gilliam film. Williams is a severely damaged man who sees a symbolic 'Red Knight' at every turn, and seeks a holy grail that seems to elude him at every turn. Bridges is down to earth, if a little aimless and untethered, brought back down from the clouds by his stern, peppy wife (Mercedes Ruehl in an Oscar nominated performance). They both strive to help one another in different ways, Williams to help Bridges find some redemption for the single careless act that led to violence, and Bridges assisting him on a dazed quest through the streets to find an object he believes to be the holy grail, and win over the eccentric woman of his dreams (Amanda Plummer). In any other director's hands but Gilliam's, this story just wouldn't have the same fable-esque quality. Straight up drama. Sentimental buddy comedy. Interpersonal character study. There's elements of all, but the one magic ingredient is Gilliam, who is just amazing at finding the way to truth and essential notes by way of the absurd and the abstract. Watch for fantastic work from Michael Jeter, David Hyde Pierce, Kathy Najimy, Harry Shearer, Dan Futterman and a quick, uncredited Tom Waits as well. The hectic back alleys and silhouetted trellises of NYC provide a sooty canvas for Gilliam and his troupe to paint a theatrical, psychological and very touching tale of minds lost, friendship found and the past reconciled.

John Brooks The "lead" role, tailor-made for Robin Williams. Seriously, nobody else could've played this role like him. A complex mixture of a broken man borderline insane and the remains of a past cultured, well educated life. And Jeff Bridges' NY/Italian woman in the film, superb performance, that earned her rightfully a supporting actress' award. A lengthy film, but that justifies its weight with excellent story telling, attention to detail, and a very strong appreciation for the psychological element, very subtly carried out throughout the film. Very eventful, and although it's been criticized for it, it does answer all of the questions it poses. This isn't an overcrowded, over-complicated story; this is a complex modern tale with lots of sensitivity, real life issues, and a beautiful core at the center of it all. Excellent film.

SnoopyStyle Jack Lucas (Jeff Bridges) is an arrogant selfish call-in radio DJ. His rant against yuppies causes a madman to commit a mass shooting in a hip NYC bar. Three years later, he's a drunken mess working at a video store with his girlfriend Anne Napolitano (Mercedes Ruehl). Jack is attacked by a couple of young punks and he's rescued by Parry (Robin Williams) and his group. Parry sees himself as a knight on a quest for the Holy Grail and hounded by an imaginary Red Knight. He thinks that Jack is the one to find the Grail so that he could win the heart of Lydia Sinclair (Amanda Plummer). Jack finds out that Parry is actually college Professor Henry Sagan and his wife was killed in the bar by that madman. There is a lot of crazy acting from everybody especially from Robin Williams. It's a little touching. It's a little surreal. It's a stumbling affair with fits and starts. It meanders a bit and I wish it's more of a quest movie. It's cute sometimes like the date. At other times, I can't wait for the movie to pick up the pace.