The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

2009, Fantasy/Adventure, 2h 2m

197 Reviews 250,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

Terry Gilliam remains as indulgent as ever, but The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus represents a return to the intoxicatingly imaginative, darkly beautiful power of his earlier work, with fine performances to match all the visual spectacle. Read critic reviews

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The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus Photos

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Movie Info

Dr. Parnassus (Christopher Plummer), the leader of a traveling show, has a dark secret. Thousands of years ago he traded the soul of his daughter, Valentina, to the devil. Now the devil has come to collect his prize. To save her, Parnassus must make a final wager: Whoever collects five souls first will win Valentina. Tony (Heath Ledger), a man saved from hanging by Parnassus' troupe, agrees to help collect them, with his eye on marrying Valentina.

Cast & Crew

Heath Ledger
Tony
Christopher Plummer
Dr. Parnassus
Verne Troyer
Percy
Andrew Garfield
Anton
Lily Cole
Valentina
Tom Waits
Mr. Nick
Johnny Depp
Imaginarium Tony 1
Jude Law
Imaginarium Tony 2
Colin Farrell
Imaginarium Tony 3
Peter Stormare
The President of the Universe
Maggie Steed
LV Woman
Mark Benton
Dad
Simon Day
Uncle Bob
Paloma Faith
Sally
Richard Riddell
Martin
Montserrat Lombard
Sally's Friend
Moya Brady
Aunty Flo
Terry Gilliam
Director
Terry Gilliam
Screenwriter
Charles McKeown
Screenwriter
Amy Gilliam
Producer
Samuel Hadida
Producer
William Vince
Producer
Terry Gilliam
Producer
David Valleau
Executive Producer
Victor Hadida
Executive Producer
Jeff Danna
Original Music
Mychael Danna
Original Music
Nicola Pecorini
Cinematographer
Mick Audsley
Film Editing
Anastasia Masaro
Production Design
Monique Prudhomme
Costume Design
Irene Lamb
Casting
Denis Schnegg
Art Director
Dan Hermansen
Art Director
Caroline Smith
Set Decoration
Shane Vieau
Set Decoration
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

All Critics (197) | Top Critics (63) | Fresh (127) | Rotten (70)
Full Review… Hank Sartin Time Out Full Review… Christine Champ Film.com Full Review… Jonathan F. Richards Film.com Full Review… Brian Tallerico Movie Retriever Full Review… Tom Long Detroit News Full Review… Lisa Kennedy Denver Post Full Review… Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Full Review… Felicia Feaster Charleston City Paper Full Review… Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens Full Review… Amie Simon Three Imaginary Girls Full Review… Monika Bartyzel Collider Full Review… Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand
View All Critic Reviews (197)

Audience Reviews for The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

  • Oct 24, 2017
    Terry Gilliam returns to the world building he has been relishing in since the 80s, you could feel a sense of genuine love from the filmmaker. My central issue is the story is a little messy and it undoes the conclusion of the film, a little more explanation couldn't have hurt the film. I have a feeling the film had to sustain a huge overhaul that was due to the death of Heath Ledger, it would have been nice to experience the true film and also another visit to the joker role. The film has a true visionary at the helm and I think further viewings will increase my opinion, like most of his films. I like true original stories and having this unique little film in the world isn't the worst thing. 23-10-2017.
    Brendan N Super Reviewer
  • Aug 19, 2016
    Weird, but nevertheless imaginative and fascinating
    Serge E Super Reviewer
  • Aug 02, 2014
    evocative of baron munchausen. all good if you like that sort of thing.
    Sanity Assassin ! Super Reviewer
  • Aug 30, 2013
    It took me time to watch this movie, for the first two times I almost found it boring already after 30 minutes, but it was worth to give a try for the 3rd time. Great Perfomance by Heath Ledger.
    NaWie M Super Reviewer
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