Parnassus and Avatar
Let me begin by saying that I had to see the Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, because I make a point of watching all of Terry Gilliam's films. That being said, the Brothers Grimm was a HUGE disappointment, and Tideland is most likely the worst film ever made for various reasons which I will not go into because I was traumatized.
Also, the Baron Munchausen is my favourite film of all time, which happens to be mostly because I watched it incessantly as a child back to back with the Princess Bride. However, the plot is a little hard to follow, probably, as I like to theorize, due to the few sections of the movie that the studio MADE Gilliam cut if he wanted them to give the movie a proper release. (which they DIDN'T in the end....)
Also recognize that this is the same director behind such rambling, yet brilliant, works as "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and "Brazil"
That being said, this movie was like a remake of the Baron Munchausen. It had the same backbone for the story, a gorgeous stage as an excuse to build elaborate set pieces, great style, great acting, and mind blowing visual effects. It was not the same movie by any means, but it was equally entertaining and even easier to follow.
Many people are going to see Avatar right now, saying that it may be a barely watchable movie plotwise, but that the amazing visuals make up for it. At the same time, many reviewers are watching Parnassus and saying that the visuals are astounding, but that the plot is convoluted and weird, which makes the movie totally unwatchable. This is bogus. The only reason that Parnassus may seem convoluted is that it does not meet any hollywood style expectations of plot. You don't know who is in the wrong, or who will win out until the very end. If you wait for a formulaic plot twist, then you will be disappointed. And besides, CGI becomes dated so quickly.* Visuals like Gilliam's ( 1 2 3 ) never do.
So go watch it, dammit. It'll be good for you.
* This is not to say that Avatar isn't a good fim, as I have not seen it.
Also, the Baron Munchausen is my favourite film of all time, which happens to be mostly because I watched it incessantly as a child back to back with the Princess Bride. However, the plot is a little hard to follow, probably, as I like to theorize, due to the few sections of the movie that the studio MADE Gilliam cut if he wanted them to give the movie a proper release. (which they DIDN'T in the end....)
Also recognize that this is the same director behind such rambling, yet brilliant, works as "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and "Brazil"
That being said, this movie was like a remake of the Baron Munchausen. It had the same backbone for the story, a gorgeous stage as an excuse to build elaborate set pieces, great style, great acting, and mind blowing visual effects. It was not the same movie by any means, but it was equally entertaining and even easier to follow.
Many people are going to see Avatar right now, saying that it may be a barely watchable movie plotwise, but that the amazing visuals make up for it. At the same time, many reviewers are watching Parnassus and saying that the visuals are astounding, but that the plot is convoluted and weird, which makes the movie totally unwatchable. This is bogus. The only reason that Parnassus may seem convoluted is that it does not meet any hollywood style expectations of plot. You don't know who is in the wrong, or who will win out until the very end. If you wait for a formulaic plot twist, then you will be disappointed. And besides, CGI becomes dated so quickly.* Visuals like Gilliam's ( 1 2 3 ) never do.
So go watch it, dammit. It'll be good for you.
* This is not to say that Avatar isn't a good fim, as I have not seen it.
posted by lunchbucket at 1:47 PM
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