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The Fisher King (1991)

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1:02 | Trailer

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A former radio DJ, suicidally despondent because of a terrible mistake he made, finds redemption in helping a deranged homeless man who was an unwitting victim of that mistake.

Director:

Terry Gilliam
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Popularity
3,450 ( 432)
Won 1 Oscar. Another 13 wins & 35 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jeff Bridges ... Jack
Adam Bryant Adam Bryant ... Radio Engineer
Paul Lombardi Paul Lombardi ... Radio Engineer
David Hyde Pierce ... Lou Rosen (as David Pierce)
Ted Ross ... Limo Bum
Lara Harris ... Sondra
Warren Olney Warren Olney ... TV Anchorman
Frazer Smith Frazer Smith ... News Reporter
Mercedes Ruehl ... Anne
Kathy Najimy ... Crazed Video Customer
Harry Shearer ... Sitcom Actor Ben Starr
Melinda Culea ... Sitcom Wife
James Remini James Remini ... Bum at Hotel
Mark Bowden Mark Bowden ... Doorman
John Ottavino John Ottavino ... Father at Hotel
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Storyline

After hearing a popular DJ rail against yuppies, a madman carries out a massacre in a popular New York bar. Dejected and remorseful, the DJ strikes up a friendship with Parry, a former professor who became unhinged and then homeless after witnessing his wife's violent death in the bar shooting. The DJ seeks redemption by helping Parry in his quest to recover an item that he believes is the Holy Grail and to win the heart of the woman he loves. Written by Jim Sanders and Determined Copy Editor

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Some called him a hero. Some called him the most dangerous man in America See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and violence | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 September 1991 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Fisher King - Le roi pêcheur See more »

Filming Locations:

New York, USA See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$24,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$311,662, 22 September 1991, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$41,895,491
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The girl that Jack says might be able to help Parry to find the Holy Grail is named Lydia Sinclair. One of the legends about the grail is that it is buried under Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland which was built by the Sinclair clan. The name Sinclair comes back in several grail myths. See more »

Goofs

When Parry is in the hospital and Jack comes to visit him Jack approaches the bed. To the right of the frame is a man wearing shorts with a walkie talkie clipped to them. See more »

Quotes

Jack Lucas: I don't mean to be flippant or to enrage you or anything, but you're a psychotic man.
Parry: I know.
Jack Lucas: A very nice psychotic man.
Parry: Thank you.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Room 101: Episode #1.5 (1994) See more »

Soundtracks

Some People
Written by Stephen Sondheim & Jule Styne
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Frequently Asked Questions

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User Reviews

 
Robin Williams should have won an Oscar for this movie
20 June 2005 | by Lee EisenbergSee all my reviews

"The Fisher King" is one of those movies that shows how, although we can't get over certain incidents, they may end up leading to our redemption. Jeff Bridges plays Jack Lucas, a New York radio talk show host. One day, he makes a mean remark to one of his listeners, and the listener murders some people. When it gets reported that the man had done this after a remark by Lucas, Jack knows that his career is over, but also realizes how he has been affecting people.

Some years later, Jack is wondering the streets and meets Parry (Robin Williams), a homeless man whose mind is gone. Parry believes Jack to be a sort of hero and Jack can't get him to think otherwise. So, the two accompany each other from then on.

Probably the movie's most interesting aspect was how director Terry Gilliam shows what is happening in Parry's imagination, contrasting it with reality. The Red Knight and Holy Grail make for some unusual scenes. This may be Robin Williams' best performance ever.


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