My Films: Day 10

Today is the final Facebook post in the 10 Movies in 10 Days meme. It was extremely difficult to choose from my very long list of candidates and I found that none of the films that I expected to be in contention for the final place in my list actually made it there. Once I had recalled this film and considered which of them all had made the greatest impact on me, there was simply no competition.

The Fisher King, 1991

As far as I am concerned, this is Robin Williams’ greatest moment and his Showcase. You may argue otherwise but I am not going to shift on this point. Terry Gilliam has said

” … It is the whole breadth of Robin, which no other part I think out there does. From the hysterically funny to the manic to the utterly sweet to the sensitive and tormented, it’s all there.”

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/sep/26/terry-gilliam-robin-williams-the-fisher-king

I have to agree with him.

Gilliam is not what I would deem to be one of “My Directors” and I cannot honestly claim to be an aficionado or in any way a fan of his other works. You might think that Brazil is his major work but my conclusion is that it is The Fisher King that stands out. For one thing, I find it far more accessible than his other films.

The Fisher King is a modern fairytale with Arthurian overtones (Modern? It was released a surprising (to me) 28 years ago. Perhaps I should redefine my notion of what is “modern”!) and a tale of Redemption. Do not let either statement put you off if you have yet to watch this film. It is a complex tale; dark and difficult but also funny, joyful, uplifting and, of course, eccentric. Williams and Bridges play well together.

With the departure of Robin Williams, the manner of his leaving and our new awareness of his demons and difficulties, this film has gained additional resonance. Take a hanky with you.

Wikipedia | IMDB

Directed byTerry Gilliam
Produced byDebra HillLynda Obst
Written byRichard LaGravenese
StarringRobin WilliamsJeff BridgesAmanda PlummerMercedes Ruehl
Music byGeorge Fenton
CinematographyRoger Pratt

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