ROTTEN TOMATOES: Cannes 2009: The Tomato Report - Gilliam Fails to Impress with Parnassus Comments

Cannes 2009: The Tomato Report - Gilliam Fails to Impress with Parnassus

by Chris Tilly | May 23, 2009

Summary

Critics in Cannes were amongst the first, yesterday, to see Heath Ledger's final performance in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, the fantasy flick that was long-delayed due to his death, played at the festival. Reviews have been mixed at best. "Ledger's performance provides an adequate swansong for loyal fans on pilgrimages to the multiplexes this autumn" Charles Gant writes for The Independent. "But many will exit scratching their heads." The film is a fantastical morality tale, revolving around the ancient Doctor and his magical mirror which allows punters to explore the darkest realms of their imagination. Christopher Plummer plays the Doctor, while Ledger stars as a suicidal soul he meets along the way. Back to Article

(1-37 of 37 posts) | Reply

rooster9 writes:
on May 23 2009 01:21 PM

Shame. But I can't say I expected anything more from Gilliam. He's been wallowing in his own excesses for years, and Heath's death only made things worse.

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D343CT1V3 D3T3CT1V3 writes:
on May 23 2009 01:59 PM

I second that motion.

It seems like Gilliam has been on a downward spiral since The Fischer King.

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Marineboy writes:
on May 23 2009 02:49 PM

Gilliam and Lucas - probably good creative producers, but shouldn't be allowed to direct ever again.

Twelve Monkeys and Star Wars great - the rest, forget it!

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the train writes:
on May 23 2009 03:04 PM

don't forget about brazil.

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Bob S. writes:
on May 23 2009 03:35 PM

BRAZIL is a masterpiece. A true great work of art. I've loved Gilliam from the days of the absurdist animation he did for Monty Python, but it saddens me to hear that his latest isn't a return to his former greatness. I read some other early reviews of THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS that said it was worth checking out, though.

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tgibfo writes:
on May 23 2009 03:52 PM

So sad. "Fear and Loathing" was the last good movie he did - eleven years ago. I'm even concerned that his "Don Quixote" would have been awful, as "Brothers Grimm" was a mess and "Tideland" was unwatchable. I'm very nervous about him taking another crack at Don Q..... As much as I hate to say this, unless he lucks out with one more REALLY amazing film, he should retire.

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Basilides in Alexandria writes:
on May 23 2009 04:51 PM

People think that Gilliam's movies are supposed to be mainstream because of the special FX and the fantasy elements, but he's just making obscure independent films. I don't think he's going in a donward spiral, he's just making movies that are not for everybody...
I assume Dr. Parnassus will be a another great movie for Gilliam fans, like myself. I honestly can't wait!

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jokerboy1991 writes:
on May 23 2009 05:50 PM

Yeah I still think Gilliam is awesome even though I down right hate Tideland and I was mixed on Brothers Grimm. But he is without a doubt a good director- 12 Monkeys, Brazil, The Fisher King, Fear and Loathing, Time Bandits, and Monty Python & The Holy Grail. I still think this will be good, I like Gilliam's weirdness.

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jimb14red writes:
on May 23 2009 06:23 PM

Gilliam is still awesome and how dare someone comparehim to Lucas. Tideland was very good and Brothers Grimm was okay.

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Bigbrother writes:
on May 23 2009 06:58 PM

I'd honestly love to see them do another Python movie before we lose any more of the original troop. Allow Gilliam to tap back into his roots and recapture the fire.

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D343CT1V3 D3T3CT1V3 writes:
on May 23 2009 07:53 PM

Brother's Grimm was O.K.!? Exactly what part was O.K.!? That movie was a steaming turd through and through. It was obviously a case of the studio interfering w/ the vision of the director to make the movie more commercial(originally Matt Damon's character was supposed to sport an elongated nose).

Maybe I just had high hopes for this movie, I mean Gilliam just seems so suited to direct a Grimm Fairytale. Oh well, I geuss there will always be 'In The Company of Wolves' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6DUt74IrdE

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Josh G. writes:
on May 23 2009 09:20 PM

Gilliam's hit or miss, but I'd take his worse films any day over any Michael Bay or McG film.

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tomwaitsjr writes:
on May 23 2009 09:50 PM

I am so blown away by Brazil, I've seen all of Gilliam's films, and likely will continue. I'm looking forward to Imaginarium.

Though, I must say, TIDELAND was beyond awful. Definately one of the worst films I've ever seen.

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jokerboy1991 writes:
on May 23 2009 09:50 PM

In reply to this comment (#2495922)
I dug the look of the movie.

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martinscorsese25 writes:
on May 23 2009 10:20 PM

guys, can you help me...

obviously Gilliam is very respected, but i just don't understand why he is?

i'm just 17, the only film of his that i saw was 'The Brothers Grimm' which was awful! it felt like a bad, low budget-trying to be big fantasy movie with two big stars and Monica Bellucci...

can you recommend works of his that are truly great...i've heard great things about twelve monkeys, but i always remember Brothers Grimm, which always prevented me in actually seeing a movie of his...

i was also like this before with Woody Allen. after seeing 'Melinda and Melinda' and 'Scoop', i don't understand what is so great with this guy... then i saw a comment on Annie Hall, i tried to watch it on youtube. it was one of the best romantic comedies that i saw, after that i watch Manhattan, which was very good and i especially loved the cinematography, after Manhattan i watched Crime and Misdeameanors, which also blew me away, then after Crimes, Hannah and Her Sisters... now i'm really a fan of his... which is ironic because i don't even know him a year ago

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gm1200 writes:
on May 23 2009 10:31 PM

I too am horrified anyone would compare Gilliam to Lucas. Gilliam hasn't done a good movie since Time Bandits...in fact every one since then has been beyond bad...not even mediocre.

Lucas on the other hand is easily one of the most talented film-makers we've had. Completely ridiculous to compare the two.

As for this Parnassus flick...I'm just glad we have another Ledger film coming out so we can see yet another example of exactly how little talent the guy had (although I can't understand how the numerous examples so far have npt been enough). Take away the inexplicable Bat-fanatic factor and we'll see how pointless he really was.

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Bob S. writes:
on May 23 2009 10:38 PM

In reply to this comment (#2495829)
@bigbrother:

YES! I'd love another Monty Python movie. Now that you've mentioned it, it's all I'm going to be able to think about. I watched THE LIFE OF BRIAN yesterday, and the next 2 movies I'm going to watch are THE MEANING OF LIFE and MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL. Love that stuff.

@martinscorcese25:

Start with BRAZIL. Great, great movie. Btw, your description of what happened with Woody Allen is not "ironic." It's widening your horizons.

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King Thor writes:
on May 23 2009 11:21 PM

Sounds like Cannes is really impressing everyone this year...

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jokerboy1991 writes:
on May 23 2009 11:24 PM

In reply to this comment (#2496960)
Watch 12 Monkeys first, then watch his DIRECTOR'S CUT of BRAZIL, Monty Python and The Holy Grail, and then check out The Fisher King. Also watch Fear and Loathing, but more so for the esthetic visuals and acting. You'll either love him or hate him, but DEFINITELY avoid Tideland.

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martinscorsese25 writes:
on May 24 2009 12:14 AM

In reply to this comment (#2497010)
@gm1200

it's not just The Joker you know! watch Brokeback Mountain and see how wrong you are... i bet you're one of those homophobic who havent seen Brokeback... trust me, its a very very good movie

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Testicular_Cancer writes:
on May 24 2009 03:12 AM

I love "The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen," and can't believe it hasn't been mentioned yet. It'll be recognized someday; remember, "The Wizard Of Oz" was a box-office disaster when it was released.

"I've got tides to regulate! Comets to direct! I don't have time for flatulence and orgasms!!"
--The King Of The Moon

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StonetheCrow writes:
on May 24 2009 04:40 AM

Critics are such bitches.

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Jack Waters writes:
on May 24 2009 10:59 AM

Whatever. Gilliam will always be one of the most misunderstood and unluckiest filmakers around. Personally, and I'm sure this is true for any Gilliam fan, the reviews coming out of Cannes do not matter much. I'm still anxiously awaiting the release of this film and think it looks great. There's a brief youtube clip of the film if anyone is interested. And as far as comparing George Lucas and Terry Gilliam, they are incomparable. Lucas works in special- effects driven universes like Star Wars while Gilliam works in fantasy dream- like driven universes in films like 12 Monkeys and The Brothers Grimm(which I actually enjoy as a guilty pleasure). Anyway, whether you hate or love Gilliam's films they always seem to provoke some kind of response, which is what he is going for and this film, I imagine, will be no different.
P.S.- Cannot wait for Gilliam's second stab at The Man Who Killed Don Quixote.

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gigaherc writes:
on May 25 2009 02:44 AM

Dunno where all the hate for Tideland comes from. It was a great movie. Can anyone specify what was so horrible about it? Maybe I've missed something.
Grimm Bros was horrible, because of studio involvement in the final cut and look of the movie, and yes, I didn't like it at all.

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frogboy writes:
on May 25 2009 03:21 AM

Gilliam%u2019s films have always been an attempt in harnessing several wild tangents in order to make a whole story. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn%u2019t, but audience members shouldn%u2019t walk into one of his films expecting everything to be tied with a neat little ribbon. He%u2019s unconventional. That can be irritating, but it%u2019s never dry or formulaic and certainly not shaped by outside forces. People either need to go with it or skip his films in favor of the latest paint-by-numbers Adam Sandler piece of crap that panders to the lowest common denominator.

As for Ledger, he was a fine actor who was just being given a chance to showcase his talent. The Bat-factor got him noticed, but his presence is always felt in every frame of footage in every film he appears. His filmography is diverse and sometimes spotty, but he never cashed in with taking the easy roles or wasted time mugging for publicity. He isn%u2019t my favorite actor, but he was skilled at his craft. Not many people are these days.

I look forward to this new film.

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FURY.UK writes:
on May 25 2009 06:47 AM

Baron and Time Bandits are 2 of my favourite childhood films. I haven't been impressed by any of his other films....even Brazil...sry.

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Cliff L. writes:
on May 25 2009 07:18 AM

In reply to this comment (#2497325)
"i bet you're one of those homophobic who havent seen Brokeback"

You don't have to be a homophobe to hate a movie where men cheat on their wives and are applauded for it.

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Bigbrother writes:
on May 25 2009 09:00 AM

If you're 17 I wouldn't start with 12 Monkeys for the simple reason I watched it at about your age and thought it was one of the most ridiculous things I'd ever seen. It was only in later years that I sorta came to appreciate it. It's still not one of my favorites, but at least now I can appreciate it for it contribution to cinema. I'd recommend starting with his Python films, Timebandits and working your way up from there. They're more approachable.

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Bob S. writes:
on May 25 2009 10:31 AM

I actually saw 12 MONKEYS while in high school and didn't care for it, but I appreciated it later as well. As far as Gilliam goes, I don't think it's the most readily accessible film. MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL is a favorite of many high school age kids, so that might be a good starting point, but BRAZIL is IMO the best of his work, the most critically acclaimed, and widely loved. If there's a surefire movie that showcases Gilliam's brilliance, it's that.

Or you can listen to a smug, condescending 18 year-old, whichever.

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JohnnyJonJon writes:
on May 25 2009 02:03 PM

In reply to this comment (#2496960)
I think I was about 16 when I saw 12 Monkeys. Though I didn't understand everything in my first viewing, I thought it was a great experience. It's definitely one of those movies that you'll want to see at least twice, but I guess it depends on one's taste. It can't hurt to give it a shot now.

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Jack Waters writes:
on May 25 2009 02:34 PM

I'm only 16 and saw 12 Monkeys when I was 14 or 15. I thought it was amazing even then. I loved Brad Pitt's performance and I loved this idea of time just being this neverending circle(at least for Bruce willis' character). Does what we do in this life matter or are our actions simply apart of some bigger picture and no matter what we do, the outcome never changes? Seriously, if I was just getting into Gilliam's work, I would do exactly what I did which is beginning with his most commercial stuff(12 Monkeys, The Fisher King- ugh, The Brother's Grimm, etc.) and then moving onto his more abstract stuff like Time Bandits and Brazil-ugh again.

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Jimbo93 writes:
on May 25 2009 05:24 PM

In reply to this comment (#2497010)
I'm sorry, I love Star Wars and all that, but Lucas is not a director. He's a producer with some cool ideas, but some talent in directing and terrible screenwriting skills.

Gilliam is fantastic, if only for MP & the Holy Grail. Need to see Brazil some time soon.

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Bigbrother writes:
on May 25 2009 06:22 PM

In reply to this comment (#2502600)
Bob, I think that's part of the beauty of Monty Python, especially Holy Grail. You can appreciate it as a Child or an old man and everwhere in between for completely different reasons. When I was a kid The Life of Brian was my least favorite of the Python films, now it's by leaps and bounds my favorite.

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tomwaitsjr writes:
on May 25 2009 06:45 PM

. . . he also did Jaberwocky. Inventive as heck, on what is obvious to be a very small budget.

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Bob S. writes:
on May 25 2009 08:35 PM

In reply to this comment (#2503657)
Yeah, dead on man - I saw HOLY GRAIL when I was 15 or so, and my friends and I used to joke about so much stuff from that movie (we are the knights that say, "Ni!"). I saw LIFE OF BRIAN around then and thought it had some humorous bits, but I saw it again last week and thought it was absolutely, incredibly brilliant with satire that works on many different levels. It's now one of my absolutely favorite comedies of all time.

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Eric E. writes:
on May 26 2009 01:30 PM

Tideland was horrible. but I really love fear and loathing in las vegas and i enjoyed 12 monkeys. I have yet to check out Brazil.

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sorcerer's_cat writes:
on May 26 2009 04:16 PM

I think Gilliam is a genius and genius means you're going to hit some out of the park and some will simply fail to connect. As has been mentioned, Grimm didn't really work because it was his only real "studio" film. If you've liked any of his movies you pretty much have to give anything he brings out a try. It's so refreshing to watch a movie where you aren't saying to yourself: oh, there's the inciting incident; twist; end act one; mid-act-two flip; end act two; act three; climax. (Yawn)

One of my favorite Heath Ledger performances was in Dogtown--he was almost unrecognizable and great as a whacked out surf and skate guru. He was the only character I could see when he was in a scene. Granted the younger actors weren't very experienced, but Heath totally dominated the screen.

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