Fishing with John

Fishing with John, released in 1991, is an unmatched blend of reality television, documentary film-making, and absurdist comedy. The series consists of six episodes, each featuring a different guest star, intertwining scenes of fishing with unique, often humorous, observations about life and the human condition. The Criterion Collection has embraced this dramatic and idiosyncratic series with open arms, adding it to their esteemed lineup.

The show owes much of its elusively eccentric charm to its creator and host, John Lurie. A renaissance man of sorts, Lurie is also known for his work as a composer and actor, but in Fishing with John, he steps into an entirely different role. He brings his artistic sensibilities to the fore in the show, crafting each episode into a standalone piece of art. His keen eye for detail, surreal sense of humor, and undeniable charisma make him the perfect tour guide for this unconventional journey.

Each episode sees Lurie accompanied by a different guest, all of whom are significant figures in the film and music industry. The guest list reads like a roll call of alternative icons, featuring names such as director Jim Jarmusch, musician Tom Waits, actor Matt Dillon, and mavericks Willem Dafoe and Dennis Hopper. These individuals lend their own unique flavors to the show, blending seamlessly with Lurie's idiosyncratic worldview to create an atmosphere that is at once familiar and alien.

Despite its title, Fishing with John is not primarily a show about fishing. It uses the act of fishing as a narrative device, as a backdrop to the conversations, musings, and extraordinary circumstances that Lurie and his guests find themselves in. Whether they're navigating the icy waters of Maine with Willem Dafoe, wrestling with the unseen creatures of Jamaica with Tom Waits, or lounging on the sunny beaches of Costa Rica with Matt Dillon, there's never a dull moment. The somewhat monotonous act of fishing is transformed into a riveting art form, a stage for life's absurdities and profundities to unravel.

Lurie's narrative style further adds to the series' unique charm. His concise and often humorous narration punctuates the various fishing expeditions. This isn't a dry, fact-heavy narration that one would expect from a traditional fishing show; it's a contemplative, often absurdist commentary on the human condition and on life itself. Lurie's observations add another layer to the series, making it a thoughtful exploration of life, art, and fellowship, rather than a simple fishing show.

The visuals of the show are also worth mentioning. Each episode is shot on location in various exotic fishing locales around the globe, ranging from the icy expanses of Northern Maine to the tropical paradise of Jamaica. The breathtaking cinematography captures these locations in all their natural beauty, providing a stark and mesmerizing contrast to the seemingly mundane act of fishing.

The soundtrack, arranged by Lurie himself, deserves its own praise. His eclectic mix of jazz, world music, and avant-garde sounds accentuate the show's offbeat feel, underscoring the strange, sometimes sublime, often farcical events that unfold onscreen.

Fishing with John remains a standout in the Criterion Collection, its oddball charm unaltered by the passage of time. The series balances the mundanity of fishing and the surreal vistas of television in a way that’s nearly impossible to describe, yet delightfully entertaining to watch. Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast looking for a show with a twist, a fan of the illustrious guest stars, or a lover of all things unconventional, this is a series that's sure to reel you in.