Star-Studded Fantasy Adventure On Prime Features Beloved Actor’s Tragic Final Role
Prominently known as Monty Python member, Terry Gilliam has had a successful directing career outside of the absurd comedy ensemble. Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a tremendously underrated dark fantasy gem full of Hollywood stars, including the final role by Heath Ledger and you can now stream it on Amazon Prime.
The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus
The film stars the legendary Christopher Plummer in the titular role, a centuries-old immortal who made a Faustian bargain. Parnassus operates a traveling circus comprised of the fantastical ensemble, including Anton (Andrew Garfield), Percy, the enigmatic Percy (Verne Troyer), and a newcomer with a mysterious past named Tony (Ledger).
Parnassus needs to save his daughter, Valentina (Lily Cole), from the Devil’s grasp personified in Mr. Nick (Tom Waits). To rescue his daughter, Parnassus strikes a new deal with Mr. Nick, to collect five souls seeking self-fulfillment within a magical realm known as the Imaginarium.
Dr. Parnasus’ Imaginarium leads into a surreal dream world that transforms according to its volunteers’ own desires and offers them a choice between self-fulfillment, and easy ignorance.
A Complex Story
The key to understanding The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is to pay close attention to detail. I had to give this epic dark fantasy multiple viewings to get all the ideas that Terry Gilliam throws in like a kaleidoscope–a mosaic viewers have to decipher. The true brilliance of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is in the exploration of identity and the power of choice.
Tom Waits
Throughout the film, the Devil toys with Plummer’s character, losing all the games old and new only to keep on playing, creating a thrilling atmosphere. Waits impresses and steals every scene he is in with his gravelly voice and charming cruelty. He doesn’t have a massive acting career, usually getting only mediocre roles, but he shines as the Devil, making me wonder why he doesn’t experiment more with acting.
Heath Ledger
I need to praise Heath Ledger regarding his role as Tony in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. Ledger’s final performance is stellar and if it wasn’t for his tragic demise during filming, I’m sure he would have been heading toward another Academy Award nomination. His death was devastating news to Hollywood and you will find a beloved tribute to him in the film as Johnny Depp, Collin Farrel, and Jude Law take over the role in a rewritten script.
Not For Everyone
Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus isn’t a film for everyone, but whoever watches it, will be on the edge of their feet. A retelling of Faust with a twist brings silly Monty Python moments to the big screen with the threat of eternal damnation lingering in the air, making the film a touch bizarre.
The Release
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus had its premiere at Cannes on 22 May 2009 and reached US in a limited theatrical release during Christmas weekend of 2009. It grossed $60 million on a $30 million budget and holds 64 percent out of 197 critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
Stream It Now
GFR SCORE
The dark fantasy received an Academy Award nomination for Best Art Direction. I still felt like something is missing in the film but that can be found in its complex plot if you watch it once more. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a fantastic blend of live-action and CGI, and is a dark fantasy hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
