Conclusion

From the point of view of these two films we must, initially, note that both have a strong comedy element within their storylines. There is nothing wrong with this, most films include comedy as part of their screenplay formula. It is mentioned because one feels that, perhaps, filmmakers are reticent or, at least feel it difficult, to approach this complex subject in a totally serious manner. Ask anyone to name a film about the Holy Grail and most replies would, probably, mention the Monty Python version, played, almost exclusively, for laughs.

The Fisher King was the first solo screenplay by Richard LaGravenese, and his intention was to include elements of the mythology he was so interested in.8 He was aware that it was off-beat and expected it to be a small budget independant film. It was, however, bought by a larger production company who then invited Gilliam to direct. He had his own reasons to do it. He is quoted as saying that he wished to challenge himself by directing something not written by himself.9 So, in effect, it was a new challenge for a number of people. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in contrast was the third of a trilogy by an established director within his own company.

They both have the Grail trail winding within their plots, but if we wish to understand the Grail message at its deepest level, we must understand that it is a conscious working philosophy of healing and transformation of the soul and spirit. It is used as a practical philosophical and medative discipline to positively heal the soul. A book called Healing the Wounded King 10 is one of the many texts which aim to do this. The author, John Matthews, makes a specific reference to The Fisher King in the introduction of this book, noting that it does contain the healing message within the relationship between Parry and Lucas. In another book The Grail Tradition 11 by the same author, he mentions Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, citing it as "a wonderful example of the living quality of the tradition. He continues;

Familiar themes abound. The Grail is guarded by an ancient crusader, one of three
brothers whose lives are extended beyond mortal span by the power of the Cup.
Images of the Wounded King, the three knights of the Grail, and the power of the
vessel to bring either life or death are clearly present in the film. The tradition is thus
shown to be as vibrant and living as ever, and for the first time since Chretien de Troyes
is received by a large and rapturous audience!12

There is, obviously, something in the legend which appeals to us on a deep unconscious level; why else has it persisted for over a thousand years? Both these stories approach the legend in a different way, both include some of the true message, both include invention by the respective writers, but both have the theme of healing and the powers of good winning out in the end.

The Fisher King, probably relates the facet of the healing power more effectively, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade being an ever popular example of the good verses evil plot, which involves the Grail as its impetus.

La Gravenese, the writer of The Fisher King screenplay, said about the making of the film: At times it appeared that for some people working on the movie, individual journeys were being made towards their own, particular, grails. This was certainly true for me. I hear it is common; that a movie you're working on can begin to reflect the life you're having around it. For that experience, and for the gift of working with such extraordinary people, I am deeply grateful to those who made it all possible.

This is, ultimately, the important factor. Some will watch these films and see only the comedy or the adventure, or in the case of the critic Roger Ebert, writing on The Fisher King for The Chicago Sun-Times, only the stock formula cliches of American film content saying more about himself and the industry than for the film he criticises. Some people can not see the bridge leading to The Grail Castle because they do not have the faith of their own convictions. These are both “feel good” movies, which in itself is a healing process; to be uplifted by a story. The two films under discussion succeed, but only to a point. Perhaps one day a writer or a filmmaker will have the leap of faith to create a film which deals with the Grail on all its levels of meaning and perhaps we as a civilisation will have the courage to leap in our understanding of the inner transformative properties of the Holy Grail.