If you were one of those children who grew up with movies like Willow (Ron Howard, 1988) and Time Bandits (Terry Gilliam, 1981), you're probably not alone. While I myself only recently saw both of these films, it's Terry Gilliam's unique style that will probably draw me to theaters to see his new movie The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (whenever it's wide release might be). The film stars the late Heath Ledger, whose absence in the film is filled in by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell. Together, the cast, including Christopher Plummer who plays Parnassus, create a bizzare world of wonders that only Gilliam could achieve.
Gilliam's style, as seen in Jabberwocky (1977), Brazil (1985), Twelve Monkeys (1995) and Tideland (2005), is a raw, dark, gritty one. They are fantastical and funny, epic and dark. Unlike Willow which has a happy ending, Gilliam's films generally end with an underscore of tragedy. Another of his works, which didn't do all that well, and which I found rather dull, was The Brothers Grimm (2005), stars both Heath Ledger and Matt Damon. It is a rather poorly made film revolving around characters similar to those in the real Brother's Grimm stories. It has a more decently happy ending, which is not Gilliam's style, and may have led to the films ultimate downfall.
Imaginarium seems to be no excuse to this fantastic, epic, tragic story that will mess with your head. The story revolves around Dr. Parnassus, his daughter, and the man who attempts to help her escape fate. The immortal Dr. Parnassus, who makes a deal with the devil to make him immortal, needs help saving his daughter from being taken by Mr. Nick (the devil). For Dr. Parnassus is no longer immortal, having traded his immortality for youth to marry a fair maiden. The new deal was that when his child turns 16, he must turn (her) over to Mr. Nick. Parnassus asks for one more deal: whoever can seduce 5 souls first, will win control of the daughter. Parnassus also gives up his daughter's hand in marriage, that man who can help Parnassus save her. This, of course, is where Ledger (/Depp/Law/Farrell) comes in.
The film, set to have a limited release at Christmas, is already being released in various other parts of the world. Don't miss out on your chance to see it in theaters.
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