The Fisher King

The Fisher King was brilliant. Certainly not a slick, well-structured story, but that’s hardly the point – it was the kind of quirky, bizarre film Gilliam does best. In fact, it may well have been my favourite of his post-Python films. Robin Williams is at his best when his character allows him to cut loose all his frenetic energy, yet is a bit unsettling and sinister. Jeff Bridges is superb with the different facets of his character, and that scene with his strong-minded, distinctively Jewish girlfriend that goes from unbridled joy to unleashed fury, was just amazing, the kind of thing two actors must dream of. The meandering story is fast and intriguing enough to make the ending really satisfying, and Gilliam’s little flights of fantasy are not only well-integrated, but look amazing – he’s come a long way from Jabberwocky!