The Fisher King blu ray
The Fisher King (Criterion blu ray) - One of those movies that just gets better with time. Terry Gilliam had just come off Baron Munchausen, and his problems with the studio on that one were well documented.
Fisher King was, at that time, something approaching almost conventional for him. A thinly veiled take on the Arthurian/Holy Grail legend, it stars Jeff Bridges as a shock-jock radio DJ, who's controversial on-air comments prompt a suicidal man to shoot a number of innocent civilians. Devastated with guilt, Bridges character also tries to commit suicide but is 'rescued' by Robin Williams charismatic though somewhat unhinged homeless man.
It's a story about flawed, damaged people and their need for redemption and meaning to their lives...Bridges helps Williams to meet the girl of his affections (Amanda Plummer), which in turn gives some purpose to Bridges life, essentially finding a new 'family' amongst the camaraderie of New York's homeless.
Of course being a Gilliam film, it does not follow convention. William's character is haunted by the demons of his past, which manifest itself in the form of a terrifying vision of a fire breathing red Knight on horseback, chasing him through the street. He also believes he is on a quest for the holy grail, and considers himself an Arthurian knight charged with this quest. Of course all of this is a manifestation of his pain due to the killing of his wife...by the same man that Bridges comments had apparently provoked.
It's possibly Gilliam's most intimate movie, concentrating primarily on the characters and their relationships, with occasional hints of fantasy. The most famous of which is a stunning sequence where NY's Grand Central station is transformed into a massive ballroom, with all of the commuters suddenly taking partners for a waltz.
A great movie...sad, funny, heartbreaking and yet also uplifting. Mention must also be made of Mercedes Reuhl's sassy performance as Bridges love interest, and the late Michael Jeter, who gets a standout, showstopping scene as a singing telegram.
Very good set of (largely new extras) as well, new interviews with all of the cast and crew, a feature on the creation of the Red Knight, one on Bridges training to be a radio shock-jock, and also on his famous on-set photos. Plus deleted scenes.
Pic and sound for a movie of its age are very good, maybe not reference quality compared to today, but its certainly the best it has ever looked and sounded.
Fisher King was, at that time, something approaching almost conventional for him. A thinly veiled take on the Arthurian/Holy Grail legend, it stars Jeff Bridges as a shock-jock radio DJ, who's controversial on-air comments prompt a suicidal man to shoot a number of innocent civilians. Devastated with guilt, Bridges character also tries to commit suicide but is 'rescued' by Robin Williams charismatic though somewhat unhinged homeless man.
It's a story about flawed, damaged people and their need for redemption and meaning to their lives...Bridges helps Williams to meet the girl of his affections (Amanda Plummer), which in turn gives some purpose to Bridges life, essentially finding a new 'family' amongst the camaraderie of New York's homeless.
Of course being a Gilliam film, it does not follow convention. William's character is haunted by the demons of his past, which manifest itself in the form of a terrifying vision of a fire breathing red Knight on horseback, chasing him through the street. He also believes he is on a quest for the holy grail, and considers himself an Arthurian knight charged with this quest. Of course all of this is a manifestation of his pain due to the killing of his wife...by the same man that Bridges comments had apparently provoked.
It's possibly Gilliam's most intimate movie, concentrating primarily on the characters and their relationships, with occasional hints of fantasy. The most famous of which is a stunning sequence where NY's Grand Central station is transformed into a massive ballroom, with all of the commuters suddenly taking partners for a waltz.
A great movie...sad, funny, heartbreaking and yet also uplifting. Mention must also be made of Mercedes Reuhl's sassy performance as Bridges love interest, and the late Michael Jeter, who gets a standout, showstopping scene as a singing telegram.
Very good set of (largely new extras) as well, new interviews with all of the cast and crew, a feature on the creation of the Red Knight, one on Bridges training to be a radio shock-jock, and also on his famous on-set photos. Plus deleted scenes.
Pic and sound for a movie of its age are very good, maybe not reference quality compared to today, but its certainly the best it has ever looked and sounded.
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