Life: Shit's Rough & Then You Die

Never have I watched a series with a bigger "wtf" expression on my face then Lost. And now that it's finally over, what now? A show of this caliber and definitive moments can only leave you with a yearning for more, but to what extent? Who really knows...

I knew going into this there would be a lot of opinions that factor into whether or not the quality of the finale is actually considered "good." So, without being unbiased I'm going to go ahead and say the creators did a good job explaining a very complex idea that inspired them to create a show for the masses on a major network too. I cant even begin to imagine the difficult tasks the creators had dealing with the fact that they are interpreting death through a television series on ABC (yes those factors do matter because then the show becomes much more then just a creative outlet for the creators to express their beliefs it becomes a business).

With that being said I really enjoyed watching the finale mainly because it resolved a lot of outstanding questions about the show, mainly being, wtf was the purpose for everything? Simple. The answer to that is answered via another question, wtf happens after death? The show displayed a very keen interest on multiple lives that were filled with turmoil, suffering, oppression, depression etc. And somehow through an act of God? or more appropriately through an act of Jacob? (haha) All those lives ended up on the same flight that crashed on a mysterious island where they all learned through extreme danger and time travel to cope with all the wrong doings in their life.

Yes, the show does use alternate universes or realities to explain what happens after death or lack thereof? I only say that because death just seems to be a relative term they use so that the characters on the show understand what happened to themselves. And I know for some that can be a real hang up because people don't like relying on the super natural to explain their favorite television series due to how open ended the ending can be, leaving some unsatisfied. But when tackling topics like faith and beliefs leaving things open ended is probably the best solution so it appeases everyone (once again probably another network decision) but still well executed.

The show really inspires those who understand its content; to know that although as tough as life may be, happiness isn't an impossibility, whether it's achieved through mysterious means or through impossible tasks. All you need is faith. And sometimes being "Lost" is the only way to be found. = P (that ones for aly)


Jack standing amidst symbols of multiple religions. I thought this shot was really important considering he's dealing with his dad's death.


Torch has now been passed to Hurley.


-DK

Terry Gilliam....

Art is always interpreted by those who have a passion for it. Whether it's on film or on canvas many times what the artist displays is left for interpretation, thus causing much confusion and differences in opinions. But, as a filmmaker is it the director's duty to create a film some/all will enjoy? Or is it just their duty to make sure THEIR "art" is brought to life as they envisioned it on film? Can everything be done to the T correctly, to the director's standard but, yet the audience can still be left with a film they don't understand or like? Does that still make it a good movie?


(I am aware it's in Spanish...I like this poster the most)

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is directed by Terry Gilliam. No other director is alive today in which I view their movie and have mixed emotions about all throughout the film. On one hand there's a ton of philosophical and human nature exhibitions, crazy set design, and even crazier depictions of images and costumes in the film, on the other hand there's a ton of awkward closeups, acting, and even actions performed in the film that makes me question what exactly Gilliam is going for when he directs the actors. Who knows?

Overall though I thoroughly enjoyed this movie as I do sitting through most of his films. Heath Ledger's performance is slightly lukewarm compared to his Joker, but then again what performance of Ledger's outshines that of the Joker?

Sadly, this was the actor's last performance due to his accidental overdose earlier on in January of 2008, which explains why, but still makes sense with the story that we see a triumvirate of actors play Heath's character throughout the spiritual awakening sequences. Johnny Depp fulfills the shoes very comfortably and respectfully, Jude Law brings an innocent charm into the film and Colin Farrell is....yea.

The film centers on a traveling troupe that move around in an old school horse drawn carriage that is clearly an anachronism placed by Gilliam for aesthetic appeal, and for symbolism in that the group Dr. Parnassus has put together is legit and that good things can come when you least expect it; since they help people realize the greatness in themselves by entering Dr. Parnassus' Imaginarium.

The film has a positive message about material wealth, self esteem, self awareness, self gratification, good vs. evil, and lastly sacrifice. And a ton of crazy hallucinogenic induced imagery. An annoyingly conscientious Verne Troyer, and a couple "wtf" moments, beacuse well...some of the scenes in this movie are just highly unnecessary. My only gripe and hope is that maybe one day Gilliam will make that perfect film that hits me where it counts; my heart and not just my mind.


Favorite scene in the movie. Here you see instead of an admission collection they instead insist that those participating take from them instead.

3 / 4

-DK