Gilliam, as a member of the Python troupe, has always been great at funny and quirky, of which this film certainly has its moments. In the Fisher King though, Gilliam shows that he can handle other emotions with equal adeptness and with more subtlety than his previous films. The first 9 min. and 2 secs. of this film are a brilliant setup for what follows and Gilliam doesn't disappoint with the rest of the film. He still manages to get some of his trademark visuals in, but has really seemed to refine his film-making skills with this flick and continues to do so to this day (12 Monkeys, Fear and Loathing, Tideland) There are some extraordinary sequences (like the waltz in Grand Central Station) that amaze me when I think about Gilliam's beginnings as the animator and token American of Python (and clapping together those freaking coconuts in The Holy Grail.) As for Williams performance, I have to say that this is one of my favorites. I've always liked him better in the roles where he gets to show some depth in his acting abilities. The comedy is subtle, and the performances have depth, particularly Jeff Bridges - one of the greats, in my opinion.