The Fisher King
US (1991): Drama/Fantasy/Comedy
Arthurian mythology and modern day decay seem perfect complements to each other in this Terry Gilliam drama-comedy-fantasy. Shock jock Jack Lucas (Jeff Bridges) makes an off-handed radio remark that causes a man to go on a killing spree, leaving Lucas unhinged with guilt. Lucas's later, chance meeting with Parry (Robin Williams), a homeless man suffering from dementia, gets him involved in the unlikely quest for the Holy Grail. The rickety, and patently unrealistic stand that insanity is just a wonderful place to be, and that the homeless are all errant knights, wears awfully thin, but there are numerous moments of sad grace and violent beauty in this film. The screenplay by Richard LaGravenese launched his successful career and his smart wordplay helped garner Mercedes Ruehl an Oscar® as Lucas's girlfriend. (Keith Simanton, Amazon.com)
5 nominations, 1 Award
· Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role 1991: Mercedes Ruehl
· Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role 1991: Robin Williams
· Achievement in Writing - Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen 1991: Richard LaGravenese
· Achievement in Art Direction 1991: Mel Bourne - Art Direction, Cindy Carr - Set Decoration
· Achievement in Music (Original Score) 1991: George Fenton