The Fisher King (1991)
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A cynical radio shock jock seeks redemption by helping a delusional homeless man find his way back to reality.
The story
Jack Lucas, a narcissistic and misanthropic radio shock jock, becomes haunted by the realization that his abrasive comments led a caller to commit a tragic act of violence. Three years later, while struggling with his own life, Jack encounters Parry, a delusional homeless man who believes he is on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Parry claims that Jack's involvement in a past tragedy has left him in a catatonic state. Jack eventually agrees to help Parry in his quest, leading to an exploration of their intertwined lives and the search for redemption amidst the social strata of New York City.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Jack Lucas, a narcissistic radio shock jock, is haunted by the fact that his words drove a man named Edwin to commit a mass murder-suicide. Three years later, while in a state of despair, Jack is rescued by Parry, a homeless man who believes he is on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Parry, whose real name is Henry Sagan, suffered a psychotic break after his wife's death and now lives in a delusional reality. Jack agrees to help Parry find 'the Grail' to help him find love again. They involve a woman named Lydia in their journey. After a series of events where Parry is beaten and becomes catatonic again, Jack infiltrates a wealthy man's estate to retrieve a trophy he believes is the Grail. He also saves the owner from a suicide attempt. Jack brings the trophy to Parry, who regains consciousness and is reunited with Lydia. Jack reconciles with his girlfriend, Anne, and the film ends with Jack and Parry together in Central Park.
- First release year
- 1991
- Runtime (minutes)
- 137
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Terry Gilliam
- Writers
- Richard LaGravenese · writer
- Cast and characters
- Robin Williams · Jack Lucas; Jeff Bridges · Parry; Amanda Plummer; Mercedes Ruehl
- Genres
- fantasy; comedy; drama
- Themes
- redemption; faith; social class; mental health
- Tone and mood
- whimsical; poignant
- Premise and plot tags
- road trip; quest; buddy film
- Reception
- The film received generally favorable reviews from critics and was noted for its blend of drama, comedy, and fantasy.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 83% · scale: percentage · review count: 66; Metacritic · score: 67 · scale: 100
- Production trivia
- The film was the first for Gilliam not to feature members of Monty Python.; The scene in Grand Central Terminal was filmed in a single night.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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