Director
Terry Gilliam
Leading Actors/Actresses
Robin Williams and Jeff Bridges
Supporting Actors/Actresses
Mercedes Ruehl, Amanda Plummer, and Michael Jeter
Genre
Comedy-Drama
Language
English
Awards
Nominated for five Academy Awards: Best Actor in a Leading Role for Williams, Best Original Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Original Score, and Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Ruehl (which she won)
Date of Release
September 20, 1991
Producer
Debra Hill and Lynda Obst
Setting and Context
Manhattan, New York
Narrator and Point of View
No narrator, but mostly shown from perspective of Jack
Tone and Mood
Comedic, Fun, Dramatic, Solemn, Light, Romantic, and Serious
Protagonist and Antagonist
Protagonist: Jack Lucas, Antagonist: Trauma
Major Conflict
The conflict between Jack and himself, and his struggle to help Parry
Climax
The climax occurs when Jack delivers the highly sought-after Grail to Parry and Parry awakens.
Foreshadowing
The line "Well, forgive me!" foreshadows Jack's eventual quest for redemption.
Understatement
Innovations in Filming or Lighting or Camera Techniques
Though not innovative in filming or lighting or camera techniques, The Fisher King is very uniquely shot and exhibits Terry Gilliam's unique style.
Allusions
Allusions to popular culture, the Bible, mythology (including the myth of rejuvenation in the film's title), and shock jocks like Howard Stern
Paradox
Parallelism
The two couples parallel one another. As Lydia and Parry fall in love, Jack and Anne get closer.
