betsybirsh The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus will undoubtedly receive press because of the tragic circumstances- lead actor Heath Ledger died before the film could be completed and other stars finally ended up taking his role to complete it. The film itself is alright but it depends on the audience's sensibilities and preferences. It is definitely a delight to look at, but Terry Gilliam's films have always polarized the audiences. Johnny Depp, Colin Farell and Jude Law fill in for Ledger but ultimately this is a Gilliam show.

asimov-72292 I had this movie on my DVR since forever because the title was catchy. I didn't know who directed it. I didn't know who starred in it. Had I known it was a Terry Gilliam film I would have watched it sooner. I didn't know what to expect when I finally started to watch it. It was revealed to me it was directed by Terry Gilliam. Then is that Christopher Plummer? YES! Is that Heath Ledger? ! Is that Johnny Depp? YES! To me every scene contained an Easter egg. However this type of film is not for everyone. Gilliam is known for his strange films but Doctor Parnassus is Gilliam times two raised to the power of odd. I won't divulge the plot because it is difficult to discern. Instead, I'll list the Terry Gilliam films I've seen in order of my preference and you can decide if our tastes jibe and, if so, how you might enjoy Doctor Parnassus. 1. Twelve Monkeys 2. Brazil 3. Monty Python and the Holy Grail 4. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus 5. Jabberwocky 6. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas 7. The Fisher King 8. Time Bandits 9. Baron Munchausen 10. The Brothers Grimm

HotToastyRag If you know nothing about the backstory of this film, you'll be in a much better position to enjoy watching it. It's a very strange fantasy whose setting is a cross between a magician's show and a travelling theater group. The ringleader, Christopher Plummer, has made a deal with the devil before the start of the film: he'll live forever but when his daughter Lily Cole turns sixteen, the devil will claim her. After they find Heath Ledger and adopt him into their troupe, their show becomes more strange and fantastical.The film is split into four sections, and once again, if you don't know the backstory behind these splits, it's actually an interesting take on the story. Heath Ledger's character is introduced, and each time he performs the magic show, he's transformed into a different actor to show that the show alters him. The other actors are played by Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, and Jude Law, and they're all very believable as changed versions of Heath.The visual aspects are quite impressive, if you like movies like this. As a child, if you loved the odd world of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and you usually like magician films, you'll probably really love The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. Parts of it are quite good, but all in all, it was a little too weird for me. Plus, I knew what happened during the making of this film. Once you know what happened, it's pretty impossible to like it.

losmanl7 Let me start off by saying that I came into watching this film with a biased opinion. I love this cast hardcore. I mean come on, Heath Ledger straight out of Dogtown clean of the white makeup that caked his face and made him an icon in the DC universe. Andrew Garfield,(whom I must say is my favorite in the film) being goofy as hell and showing us the natural ways of his foreshadowed Peter Parker. Even the somewhat confusing roles of Mr. Depp, Law, and Ferrell all have their moments. No disrespect to Verne Troyer, but I do have a slight fear of little people lol. Anyways, the meshing of their characters put a band-aid on the critical mindfuck that was the plot. It was very enjoyable, and understandable, but you really have to strap in your seat belt and thinking cap to see the movie for the pure dopesauce that it's worth. Forget the flaws and questions you might have, and open up your IMAGINATION. You will love this movie just like me, and if you haven't done so already, you will start speaking with quite the English accent out of respect. Loved it.