12) The Fisher King
In this comedy-drama, a suicidal radio ‘shock-jock’ is persuaded to make one final grab for redemption by helping a man whose life became collateral damage in the aftermath of one of his inappropriate on-air rants.
Jack (Jeff Bridges) is a drunken, washed up DJ, having descended into a deep depression after an incident 3 years earlier, in which his insensitive comments to a psychotic caller triggered a mass murder in a busy bar. As he tries to attempt suicide, he is interrupted by a gang of thugs, who attack him and try to set him on fire. Jack is rescued by Parry (Robin Williams) – a disturbed homeless man, who claims to be on a mission to retrieve the Holy Grail. Parry asks Jack for help and – because he discovers that Parry’s condition stems from having witnessed his wife’s horrific death during the bar-room massacre that Jack helped to trigger – he agrees. While he is colluding in Parry’s delusion, Jack tries to help him find love and companionship with Lydia (Amanda Plummer), whom Parry has long admired from afar.
Written by Richard LaGravenese (Behind The Candelabra), this tale of fate, destiny and delusion is given rich and powerful visualization by director Terry Gilliam – the strength of which gives firm foundation to the positive aspects of a fundamentally dark tale. These men are bound together by the horrors visited upon them by a cruel and violent world. One began as a selfish cynic, unable to view anything past himself, while the other was once a contented man – happily residing in a bubble of emotional security.
But, after tragedy, they find in each other the strength to be open-hearted once more – overcoming their fear of pain and destruction, and finding their happily ever after. For the audience, The Fisher King provides very real inspiration for making more of the emotional connections available to us on a daily basis – for these are the things that give our lives vigour, verve, momentum and – above all – purpose.
Published: Aug 25, 2014 10:54 am