The Film
I like underdogs. It’s easy to get behind those that have struggled, not quite reached the top, but somehow found the will and desire to carry on. Or maybe they’ve already reached the top, stumbled, fell, and are clawing their way back. Who doesn’t love a good comeback?
The Fisher King is a perfect movie for anyone who feels the same way I do about underdogs because it’s all about those stories combined.
It’s difficult to think of any movie starring Robin Williams as an underdog. For close to 30 years he was an above the marquee name, an actor people went to see regardless of the film. For much of the 90’s he was THE star, absolutely owning films like Aladdin (which changed the game for animated films), Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, The Birdcage, and Patch Adams. Those films all took fine advantage of the manic energy and creativity that Williams was able to bring, utilizing his comedic talents for all they were worth. But I’m a bit of an odd man out when it comes to his type of humor. I find it exhausting, and watching him flail about makes me tired. Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s funny, but I prefer him in smaller comedic doses instead of bouncing off every available wall.
For me, the best Robin Williams is the dramatic Robin Williams. People often say that comedians are great at tragedy because the line between humor and sadness is a fine one. Sadly for Williams, it was thinner than we knew, which made his untimely passing all the more tragic. To watch him in movies such as Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting (which I will definitely be talking about again) and today’s film, The Fisher King, is to watch him at his creative best, when he is able to take advantage of the full range of human emotions.
Director Terry Gilliam knows how to utilize Williams. A director who first found his calling directing the madcap adventures of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Gilliam made a career for himself by tackling weirdly unique movies like Brazil, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, and Time Bandits. He’s not afraid to let things get strange, and an actor like Williams can play all day in that sandbox. What Gilliam proved adept at in The Fisher King was his ability to keep everything on a tighter lease, a little more grounded in reality, then one would’ve expected from both their histories.
I think we have Jeff Bridges to thank for that. Himself a highly underrated actor, Bridges turns in some excellent work as the center of this story. It’s his character, former radio personality Jack Lucas that sets every part in motion. Once a highly recognized New York City personality, it was his downfall which led to the tragedies that ruined Williams’ character’s life. Once a happily married man, his wife was murdered by one of Lucas’s listeners and set him spiraling towards madness. By chance their lives cross and they are both able to eventually find a sense of sanity and redemption. For Gilliam, it’s a rather straightforward tale with only a few of his usual flourishes. For Bridges, it’s a chance to do some serious work. For Williams, it’s a chance to truly shine in a role that takes full advantage of him.
But because this is indeed a true underdog film, despite it’s five Academy Award nominations, including one for Williams, it was actress Mercedes Ruehl who took home an Oscar for her role as Bridges put upon girlfriend. No one saw that coming.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Special Features
As usual, The Criterion Collection release offers a bevy of special features, wide ranging in their topics, likely to satisfy even the most difficult disc reviewer.
The Disc: A 2K digital transfer and a DTS-HD 5.1 surround help the film both look and sound great.
Audio Commentary: Gilliam’s commentary is both interesting and informative, covering a wide variety of behind the scenes topics.
Deleted Scenes: A handful of scenes that, while they don’t necessarily add to the film, are interesting to watch on their own. Each comes with Commentary from Gilliam.
The Tale of the Fisher King: Two thirty minute documentary featurettes that focus on the history and the making of the film, filled with many talking head moments with key players.
The Tale of the Red Knight: A 20 minute featurette about the most Gilliam-esque moments in the film.
Jeff and Jack: 20 minutes that focus on Jeff Bridges learning how to be a shock jock.
Robin’s Tale: Perhaps my favorite special feature, 20 minutes of Robin Williams just being Robin Williams.
Insert: Contains the essay “In the Kingdom of the Imperfect” by Bilge Ebiri, with the reverse side serving as a mini poster when unfolded.
Special Features Rating 4 out of 5
Final Conclusion: A must own for any fan of Williams and/or Bridges and Criterion collector.
