The Fisher King

Rating:
Summary: The worst movie ever made
Review: The Fisher King is a disappointing myriad of chaotic film sequences, uninspiring characters, and a deliberately meaningless title. It mixes random delusion/fantasy sequences in a pale attempt to feign creativity. Viewers seeking a sensible, straightforward plot will be sorely disappointed. Viewers who prefer creative/fantasy movies will likely be insulted by this poor attempt to fill their needs. The Fisher King's only value is that of a poor abstract painting; people can look at it and pretend to each other that they "understand the deeper meaning". This film is about as deep as a cookie sheet.

Rating:
Summary: HEALING THE HEARTS OF MEN
Review: In my humble opinion, Terry Gilliam is a genius -- without question one of the most talented and imaginative direcors working in film today. All of his work -- BRAZIL, TIME BANDITS, 12 MONKEYS, &c -- stands up head and shoulders above almost everything else the motion picture industry spews out, but THE FISHER KING is, I believe, his greatest achievement.

All of the actors are superbly cast -- and each of them throws themselves completely into their assigned roles, to the point of BECOMING their character, which, unless I miss my guess, is what acting is about. Robin Williams couldn't be more perfect as Perry, the heartsick man with a shattered heart, who has lost his beloved wife in an act of senseless violence. Jeff Bridges, as the radio 'shock-jock' whose flippant comment to a disturbed listener triggered the shooting, is utterly convincing as the guilt-ridden Jack, locked into a downward spiral, despite the love and care vested on him by his girlfriend (Mercedes Reuhl). Then there's Amanda Plummer, portraying the hapless, mousy Lydia -- with whom, as soon as he sees her, Williams falls head over heels in love.

There are four characters here in a great deal of pain, each trying in their own way to deal with it -- with varying degrees of succcess. The way in which their paths cross, and merge, in this story, and the impact they have on each other's lives, makes for one of the most moving tales of love/pain/healing that has ever been brought to the screen. Gilliam's own unique vision guides it along nicely -- you can see his most obvious touch in the visions experience by Williams of the Red Knight, one of the most frightening apparitions you'll ever run across.

The film vividly shows the torturing, deep pain of utter loss, as well as our vital need to be loved -- and our need to perform acts of kindness, and to seek forgiveness for the wrongs that we have done. The love story between Williams and Plummer is one of the sweetest -- and most convincing -- ever in a film. It's enough to give us hope that, truly, anything is possible. Jack's road to redemption is a rocky one -- as is his own love story, which is bound up with that of Perry and Lydia. The lengths to which he ultimately will go in order to help his friend are stunning, inspiring, and, most importantly, believable.

THE FISHER KING is a modern masterpiece -- and one that will, I think, continue to move viewers for many, many years. It's story is a timeless one, skillfully brought to the screen by a modern master. If you want to show someone how good film can be, show them THE FISHER KING.

Rating:
Summary: there are so many things to love about this movie
Review: this is one of my all time favorites, for so many reasons. Robin Williams gives an amazing performance. Mercedes Ruehl has many of the best lines in the film-an awesome actress. i could watch Michael Jeter singing to Amanda Plummer a million times and never grow tired of it-he steals the whole movie with this one scene! so much of the dialogue is touchingly funny and sweet.i also love the music used in the movie.this is a great film,with great performances; i love it.

Rating:
Summary: A Modern Day Fairy Tale Classic
Review: One of my absolute favorites, this gem of a film is a comedy, a drama, a romance and a fantasy film all rolled into one. Combined with the twisted & irreverent filmmaking style of Terry Gilliam ("12 Monkeys" and "Time Bandits") this film is not for everyone, but for those who like something different and maybe even a little magical, you can't go wrong with this one. Robin Williams and Jeff Bridges are two men from two different worlds, but both lost and in pain. Mercedes Ruehl and Amanda Plummer are the women in their lives. When circumstanes bring them together, they are able to save one another. A sadly overlooked film filled with wonderment and, in the end, joy.

Rating:
Summary: AVOID - Pretends to be deep BUT shallow and gimmicky
Review:
Yes, I do like art films, non-mainstream films, thought-provoking films - and for those who are still wondering, I am no fan of action or classic hollywood formulas etc. Thus what I have to say is not based on any heartbreak over lack of action or cheesy romance or a simple linear storyline.

No, the real problem is that this movie takes on a number of contemporary topics (such as homelessness, urban isolation, depression, existential ennui, inflammatory talk-radio, ... yes the list is lo..ng) mixes them up with a dash of (obviously labored) enigma and a generous serving of shock-value items (violence, language, nudity, meaningless scenes - Robin Williams obliges competently here) and serves them up with the suggestive lure of slightly non-traditional cinematography (odd angles and extreme close-ups of faces, lips - also overdone) - with the hope that perhaps the pseudo-artsy segment will fall for these gimmicks (and forget that there is really no depth, no original thoughts or insights whatsoever) and hail it as another great, maverick production. (And judging from the nominations, the ploy worked!)

Yes, I like Robin Williams and that is why I fell for it - yet that couldn't alter a fundamentally flawed movie that's trying to exploit our interest in these "deeper human topics/issues". Great acting (even if I were to concede that) cannot cover-up for a pointless, phony script.

In summary, DO NOT waste your money (and more importantly TIME) on this one - even if you can see it for free!

Regards all.

P.S. There is a difference between being creative/unconventional for the benefit of gaining unique perspectives leading to new connections/insights - and being "creative/zany" for the sake of it i.e. to get attention and fuel our narcissism. It's good to be able to tell the difference.

Rating:
Summary: "The Waste Land"
Review: After reading the first few of these reviews, most of these people are ignorant of what this movie is really about. It does have underlying wisdom and morality, but what you have to remember as you watch this movie is that it is based on a poem by T.S. Eliot: "The Waste Land." This is a difficult, obscure poem, but it is about broken lives, selflishness, being a prisoner inside oneself (in "The Fisher King," there are "prison bars" everywhere - Jack's studio, Jack's shirt, the building Jack goes into for his interview for the sitcom, etc.), and trying to find meaning in life by doing something for someone else. The movie is named such because "The Fisher King" is mentioned in the poem. I suggest you read the poem in addition to seeing the movie - it makes it immensely more meaningful.

Rating:
Summary: Don Quixote: modern day
Review: When a Shock Jock DJ's comments lead to a bar shootout, a chain of circumstances of failure and redemption begin. Jeff Bridges, the DJ, is still reeling three years after the incident when fate causes him to be saved by one of the victims' husband. The husband, played by Robin Williams, went crazy after the incident and is now on a Quixotic search for the holy grail. Through their misadventures they try to find their life again.

In my opinion, this was an excellent Bridges movie, slightly reminiscent of his Lebowski character. Also, this was a good, although fairly unheard of, Williams film. I recommend this movie because it's a good mix of humor and seriousness. Also the movie is built with a good group of leading actors. This movie is good for your extensive film collection.

Rating:
Summary: Another incredible performance by Robin Williams
Review: I read somewhere some time ago that Robin Williams only sports a beard in dramas. Truthfully,this film is a dramatic comedy. So like AWAKENINGS,MOSCOW ON THE HUDSON and GOOD WILL HUNTING,he sports a beard in this film. Williams is a homeless widower who is befriended by Jack(Jeff Bridges),a radio personality. Mercedes Ruehl plays Lydia,Jack's live-in girlfriend. Williams' character lost his wife to an explosion that occurred in a bar/restaurant they were at one night. Memorable scenes include Williams' character stripping in the dark in the middle of Central Park then dancing naked. Jack said when he witnessed this,"I should be surprised. I'm not surprised. I'm out of my f---ing mind!". That particular scene was actually X-rated. That scene was either deleted from the over-the-air/basic TV version or the barely visible sexual organ was blurred. Also,Williams,Bridges and Ruehl eating out at a Chinese restaurant. Williams even meets and falls in love with a cute girl(Amanda Plummer). He tells her in one scene,"I have a hard-on for you the size of Florida!" Great film!

Rating:
Summary: Updating the Myth on old Manhattan
Review: Terry Gilliam has always explored characters whose minds live in the areas between fantasy and reality, and here, as in his great "Brazil," it works pretty well. "The Fisher King" is a somewhat overlooked film of the early 90s, a moving tale which genuinely believes in its characters' redemption. We're not sure, at first, we even like the protagonist Jack Lucas enough to want him to find redemption (excellent Jeff Bridges, befuddled & tortured by his self-absorption) after his callous words send him from the top (as a popular shock-jock) straight to the bottom. But as the film goes on, we're shown how meaning and purpose can be created through imagination, and our friends' belief in redemption can inspire it in ourselves. At times it seemed Gilliam might overdo the weird camera lens/angles and indulge the grotesque, but its leavened out by the excellent acting (apart from some over-the-top Robin Williams antics) and a sure direction which keeps in control the sentimental & melodramatic aspects of the story.


Rating:
Summary: Saundra's favorite
Review: With lines like that strewn throughout this odd but extremely likable film it is easy to see why Robin Williams was nominated for the Academy Award for his manic, yet heartfelt work here. The Original Screenplay was also nominated, and I cannot stress how "original" it is. The dialogue is unpredictable and outrageous at times but never strays too far from emotional honesty. There are poignant scenes as well as scenes where Robin Williams it let loose to let his comedic mania shine. While that would surely be enough for most fans, there is also the wild card actress Mercedes Ruehl, who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her endearing performance. Not to mention she is very sexy here as well (nudge, nudge). Jeff Bridges and Amanda Plummer round out the eccentric foursome of talented actors to make this a must-see film for those who enjoy a little originality within their movie-going experience.