Review of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) by Michael Y — 17 Apr 2011

Full of wonder and mystery, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus might be a visual and story structure mess at times, but when it's done with this much creativity and style, who cares?

What looks like a family of traveling stage performers turns out to be something much more wonderful and frightening than expected. Doctor Parnassus made a bet with the Devil and is now immortal who is constantly haunted by him. Now with his daughter and fellow companions on the road performing a mysterious act, they meet Tony, a man on a noose who completely forgot who he is. While performing with the family, we get to know the real Parnassus, why the Devil is after him, who Tony really is and what's with his weird traveling act. This story is like non other before it. Like an old Faust tale, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a mysterious tale of fate, identity, hidden motives and the inner dwelling of the human soul that can either take us to a fantasy or damnation. As incredibly creative this movie is, one has to think where the line is drawn between a good story and a good idea. This movie is more like a good idea which is why it's structure is so out of control and weird. But is the movie an enjoyable fantasy? From the mind of Terry Gilliam, how could it not?

Expect nothing less than the fantastic and the bizzar from one of the Monty Python boys. Just when you think Terry Gilliam can't make something even more different looking than his previous dark fantasy movies, The Imaginarium tops his works once again. Though a bizzar look of visuals that no one else could possible think of but him, this movie non the less looks absolutely beautiful. The art direction is amazing, from a gloomy real world to a colourful dream world, The Imaginarium presents a creative vision and style. Like all Gilliam movies you will only see the very best in original art direction, costumes, animation, set designs, lighting,and everything else. Some visuals are great examples of symbolism that reveal more than they seem, and then some other visuals are just fucked up. Either way you'll get a visual feast for your eyes.

Might not be his best movie, but Terry Gilliam once again presents a movie like no other. It takes a lot of focus to get into and understand this movie, but The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a sure bet for Gilliam fans, and will impress anyone who can open their minds to a wonderful mix of fantasy and moral theology.