For once we decided to go to the not-so-distant past to talk a about an atypical 90’s movies. “Fisher King” is the story of a surprising friendship performed with a lot of debt and subtility.
A former radio DJ (based on real life DJ Howard Stern), 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.
The choice for Terry Gilliam (“Twelfe Monkeys”, « Time Bandits ») as a director for this film is curious. As a former member of the Monty Python’s and having directed big science-fiction films, it seemed the wrong way to go. But as always Gilliam knocks it out of the park. Directing the great script from Richard LaGravenese with grounded reality and a beautiful sensibility that gives the movie the feeling of greatness. The combination of surrealistic comedy and drama works well and, this infuses modernity to the beginning of the 90’s. This redemption story of a great the two main characters played by, Jeff Bridges (“The Big Lebowski”, “True Grit”) and Robin Williams (“Good Morning Vietnam”, “Mrs. Doubtfire”) who are a match made in heaven. The more grounded Bridges balances the electric Williams which helps the both of them to be at the top of their game. The cynical Bridges allows Robin Williams to shine but the greatness of their performances lie in the fact that they aren’t one-dimensional characters. The great supporting cast lead by Mercedes Ruehl and Amanda Plummer plays in on both protagonists strengths.
The film was nominated for 5 Academy Awards and Mercedes Ruehl won for Best Supporting Actress.
