The Fisher King

The Fisher King Literary Elements

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.

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