Review of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) by Maymay A — 09 Apr 2012
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus looks fabulous. Unfortunately that about all it has going for it. Overall it's a mess. There might be a plot in there somewhere, but it's ridiculously hard to find and what is there is weak at best.
There's no reason or motivation behind anything and the actors all get lost in the set design and cinematography. Even the level of talent the film boasts can't save the weak script and there are moments that are truly, truly painful (Andrew Garfield in drag and a fat suit and Verne Troyer in black face are particularly cringe worthy.
) There are some spectacular visual moments, and a few nice gags. The male kick line in drag is particularly nice to counteract Lily Cole's sole purpose of standing there and looking good. Unfortunately Gilliam is trying for a surrealist film and doesn't quite make it.
The dream logic is too calculated and its calculations gone wrong. This is a film that probably would have been better served with less attempts at plot.
This review of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) was written by Maymay A on 09 Apr 2012.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus has generally received positive reviews.
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