These are real men, doing real things

Or so says Robb Webb, the sardonic, pithy, and often off-topic narrator, in the opening titles to the limited (and legendary) IFC series, Fishing with John. The pseudo-documentary, which first aired in 1991, included only six episodes. They follow actor/musician John Lurie (the titular character) and a rotating cadre of ‘celebrity’ friends (including Willem Dafoe, Tom Waits, and Matt Dillon, among others) as each duo attempts to reel in fish at various exotic locales across the globe. The glaring problem is that no one really knows the first thing about fishing. John Lurie, we quickly realize, is rightfully notable more for his acting (Down By Law, Stranger Than Paradise) and multi-layered jazz ensemble (the Lounge Lizards), than his sterling personality. What you’re left with is six, single lensed, twenty minute episodes, whose pace often feel glacial (which often isn't a bad thing).

Here’s a taste of some representative dialogue between Lurie and director Jim Jarmusch as they begin their shark fishing trek off the coast of Montauk:

Jarmusch: “Maybe someone else should drive.”

Lurie: “There's nobody here but you and me.”

Jarmusch: “I’ll drive.”

Lurie: “Do you want to drive?”

Jarmusch: “No.”

While most of the episodes play out along similar lines of dialogue, there’s something innately charming about watching what essentially comes down to brilliantly edited home videos. There’s camaraderie between Lurie and his guests to be sure, but it’s the fleeting glimpses of honesty, emotional nuances, and deadpan humor, which elevate the show to cult status. Occasionally, Lurie and his guests’ interactions become almost painful. It’s like watching that one quiet couple at a restaurant, who just stare down at their plates the entire dinner, not speaking a word. It’s uncomfortable, but revealingly so. And just when you think you’re getting bored, the narrator will interject with a little gem like:

“The fishermen wake up excited to be alive. They hope for good weather and good luck. Both fisherman are covered with sores and boners.”

This is after a one night stay at a Motel 6.

In the final, two-part episode, Lurie travels with Dennis Hopper to Thailand. The men are in search of the elusive giant squid, which according to our unreliable narrator, is actually the one hunting them. Over the course of several days the pair manages to secure passage on various decrepit tug-boats, and John saves Dennis from a life threatening food allergy mishap. The scenery is breathtaking, but neither fisherman seem to notice. They never catch a single fish, and we don’t get so much of glimpse of our giant squid.

Fishing, it seems, never really was the point.





[The DVD containting all six episodes is currently released on Criterion, and includes creator commentary. All six (each in three parts) have been uploaded on YouTube. ]