jimbo-53-186511 Jack Lucas (Jeff Bridges) is a radio station broadcaster who likes to make light of his viewers dilemmas. However, one listener takes Jack's questionable advice a little too seriously and ends up killing himself. Upon hearing of this news, Jack goes off the rails and over a 3 year period he becomes a shadow of his former self spiralling into alcoholism and depression. After being rescued by vigilante cum megalomaniac Parry (Robin Williams) Jack forms a strong bond with Parry (more so when he realises that he had a role in altering Parry's life as well...) From the start this is a tough sell, you have a hard-nosed radio DJ whom seemingly enjoys revelling in his viewers misery (although in fairness his comments are meant in jest meaning that Jack is never entirely unsympathetic). His friendship with Parry felt natural and believable; in the early stages Jack felt compelled to help Parry out of a sense of guilt, but in the later stages of the film I felt that Jack helped Parry because he wanted to - this is more evident in the bit where Jack decides to play cupid and ensure that Parry gets a date with the girl of his dreams. I think the interesting thing with this film is that both men end up on similar paths; both men are living normal happy existences at one point in their lives, but this changes for both men following a tragic incident in their lives. The journey that they undertake together is funny and touching and this is all helped by wonderful performances from Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams. The latter is particularly good and it's nice to see Williams showcase his talents in a film with a strong script that actually compliments his talents. Terry Gilliam is on directorial duties here and although he is known for some of his films being a little wacky in The Fisher King he does play things out more or less pretty straight - there is some wackiness with Williams character, but this is understandable within the context of the story and to be fair it isn't overdone here. Simply put this is a fabulous film and one that you really owe it to yourself to watch.

krocheav There will always be those who gravitate towards a movie simply because it appears to be a little different to the norm. The Fisher King is a classic example. Terry Gilliam can't help himself, he just has to be overly flamboyant even when it's unnecessary. His over-the-top-over-everything approach tends to ruin this story. He batters the viewer with extreme violence, pathos, inept humour (often out of place), attempts at arty-deep-and-meaningful dialogue, and gaudy imagery.Here, he's desperately trying to top his earlier off-the-wall 'Brazil' but this time, it's all looking just too obvious and gets in the way of the story. In fact, often the story is even sacrificed for the sake of a relentless array of garish visual styles. This is all good for those who see this as genius but, not everyone will be willing to indulge him for well over two Hours. At times even the performers seem bemused as to their motivations. Every story element tends to be trodden over twice - just in case you did not get it the first time - so, that's double the violence and outlandishness till it peters out in the end. Trouble is, many of the audience will peter out well before this and that's unfortunate, as the story has some worthwhile elements.If you relish Gilliam this is a feast for you - if not, run for cover and don't look back....

John Brooks The "lead" role, tailor-made for Robin Williams. Seriously, nobody else could've played this role like him. A complex mixture of a broken man borderline insane and the remains of a past cultured, well educated life. And Jeff Bridges' NY/Italian woman in the film, superb performance, that earned her rightfully a supporting actress' award. A lengthy film, but that justifies its weight with excellent story telling, attention to detail, and a very strong appreciation for the psychological element, very subtly carried out throughout the film. Very eventful, and although it's been criticized for it, it does answer all of the questions it poses. This isn't an overcrowded, over-complicated story; this is a complex modern tale with lots of sensitivity, real life issues, and a beautiful core at the center of it all. Excellent film.

someonesmart21 Yes RIP Robin Williams I can't find a better caption than this. The acting which he did in this movie is top-notch. I'd seen many movies of Mr. Williams like "R.V" and "Good Will Hunting" but to me this movie wins hands down, Robin Williams is so into character never breaks it and does with absolute perfection . But I must say that Jeff Bridges was also wonderful he's a talented actor and he's awesome. Mercedes Ruehl as Anne was also very interesting though her role was not important but still noticeable.So about the movie its about a man Jack who is a self arrogant, cynical and a type of a man who always thinks for himself he has no feelings for others, unintentionally did something terrible and one day a devastating news breaks on him and his life changes, after three yeas he was saved by a guy from suicide who's life is ruined by his mistakes and by helping that person he finds redemption.This movie could be better by improving some idiotic scenes which I found very stupid. This films also about Schizophrenia and how a person deals after a traumatic experience, so if you are interested in this, then definitely check this out.