MovieChat Forums > The Fisher King (1991) Discussion > Underrated masterpiece

Underrated masterpiece

posted 6 years ago by [deleted]
4 replies | jump to latest

Terry Gilliam's masterfully directs this beautiful film about a despondent former radio DJ and his relationship with a mentally disturbed homeless man. Jeff Bridges is excellent in the lead role, with a performance that is layered, humane and believable. Robin Williams gives one of his best performances and brings humour and heart to the role. The screenplay is intelligent, funny and heartfelt. The Fisher King is a wonderful masterpiece that is a joy to watch and has now become one of my favourite films. A 10/10.

[–] looper007 (1158) 6 years ago

Definitely one of Gilliam's best, and other case when it's written by someone else and he's got patient producers on his side that Gilliam visual style can shine in the Hollywood system. It's amazing such a film got made, it feels more like a European film then a Hollywood Studio System film. Shows you at times Hollywood will take risk's like they did in the 70's.

They could have gone down a much darker route and it would have still worked. But thank's to Robin William's bringing a bit of light into Parry's world that it isn't always a dark and depressing watch, it could have been if in the hands of the wrong actor. It's definitely one of William's top 3 performances. Jeff Bridges really makes even the most dislikeable sod and makes you like him by the end and care for him. Also throw in a Oscar winning performance from Mercedes Ruhl and sweet turn from Amanda Plummer, also a scene stealing turn from the late Michael Jeter.

Definitely along with Brazil, Fear and Loathing, Time Bandits and 12 Monkeys as Gilliam's strongest work.

[–] TexasJack (12516) 5 years ago

Couldn’t agree more.

[–] einstein (2587) 4 years ago

agreed it was bloody brilliant

[–] TheArgentinian (7186) 2 years ago

Certainly his most accessible.