Review of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) by Blake P — 20 Jul 2012

"The Imaginariun of Doctor Parnassus" seems to be more remembered today for being Heath Ledger's last movie before his untimely death, more of a reference than a film to most people. But if you forget about that detail, the film instead serves as a return to form for visionary director Terry Gilliam, whose fantastically fun and magical movies have dazzled audiences for years.

Gilliam's direction is as loopy and twisted as ever (and like most of his films the plot is nothing to write home about). But as he ages, it seems his artistic sensibilities are heightening. The film features unique "worlds", that feature neon colors, gaudy designing, gothic senses, all stuff that seems you'd either experience in a dream or a high while on a LSD trip.

To take a trip into Terry Gilliam's mind would be a vacation for moviegoers. What's so great about "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus", is that it isn't just a visual movie. No, the plot isn't too interesting, but lucky for us it features a star-studded cast, and each and every one of them give simply fantastic performances.

Ledger is luckily great, and Garfield's performance is so sensitively enjoyable, but the real revelation here is model turned actress (a term I usually hate), Lily Cole. Statuesque, red-headed, and beautiful, you simply cannot take your eyes off of her-- but that shouldn't suggest she's a mediocre actress.

Cole's interpretation of Valentina is acid-tongued, tough, but sweetly naive, and the mix is simply terrific. For a first leading performance this is pretty fantastic, and it seems that her two careers have a bright future.

I just hope she gets the chance to world with Gilliam again. "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" isn't regular entertainment, but those that can appreciate the art and the unique values of it should see it more as an "oil on canvas" situation.