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