This one was put on my list when Robin Williams’ death reminded me that I’d always wanted to watch The Fisher King. I’ve seen snippets of it over the years, most memorably scenes of a monstrous red knight bearing down on a terrified Williams in New York city, but have never actually watched the whole thing. Given its title, I was also curious about how the storyline ties in with the Arthurian legend.

As it turns out, beyond borrowing motifs and the general theme of the Holy Grail as a font of healing, there’s very little connection with the legend. But that doesn’t prevent it from being an excellent drama with great performances by both Williams and Jeff Bridges. It is notable I think for dealing with sombre subjects in a respectful manner: the mentally ill homeless, a mass killing etc. while still being an essentially upbeat film about finding joy even in the lowest depths of despair and depression.

The cinematography is impressive as well, with New York being recast as having a secret fantasy side that only Williams and his friends can perceive. Director Terry Gilliam is to be to commended for adding just the right amount of whimsy and the fantastic without going over the top. And of course, it’s a very entertaining film with plenty of comedic moments that work very well. It’s impossible not to at least crack a smile at Michael Jeter’s singing telegram scene.

I do think that it veers too much towards being a traditional romantic film towards the end, going back to the idea that happiness and redemption comes from romantic love. I am also amused that the scene of Williams’ character following Amanda Plummer’s character everywhere she goes would most likely be seen as an example of creepy stalker behavior these days instead of being sweet and romantic as this film evidently sells it as.

Overall I found this to be a very watchable film with a unique blend of genres and terrific performances. In the end, it is very much a Hollywood movie with all the sweetness that entails, but it is a very respectable exemplar of it.