OK for kids 15+
Imaginative Heath Ledger fantasy is too dark for young kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a fantasy movie with elements that might look family friendly, it dives into some fairly mature and dark waters -- very much like the often brutal and terrifying Grimm fairy tales that inspire director Terry Gilliam. The imagery, while dazzling, is also frightening and even nightmarish at times (and the first 40 minutes of the movie are very disjointed, which may turn off some viewers), so it's not an age-appropriate pick for younger kids. Plus, the devil is one of the movie's major characters, and the "heroes" aren't exactly shining role models, either -- many of them keep secrets and deceive people, often for selfish reasons. And the 16-year-old heroine has sex and is seen smoking a cigarette the next morning (presumably after the act itself). Many viewers will be curious to see Heath Ledger's final performance and how Gilliam finished the film around his absence, but Ledger is ultimately just one member of an ensemble cast and not really the film's "star."
- How do you think Gilliam's decision to "replace" Heath Ledger withthree other actors worked out? Is the movie meant to be seen as a tribute to Ledger?
- Is the movie more or less scary than films that have more outright violence? Do scenes have to be violent to be scary?
- Why would someone be tempted to make a deal with the devil? Is DoctorParnassus' "prize" for winning one of his deals a blessing or a curse?
- Doctor Parnassus believes that the world goes on because people tell stories. Do you agree or disagree?
The good stuff
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Messages: Although the characters aren't exactly virtuous, Doctor Parnassus does (mostly) learn from his mistakes. His bets with the devil are all done with the aim of saving his daughter, and when he finally lets her go to live her own life, he has -- in a sense -- freed himself. And in the end, he has continued to be a storyteller (a most important job, according to the movie).
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Role models: Certainly Tony (a liar and possibly a thief) isn't a role model, but it's possible that Doctor Parnassus has some good things to impart to audiences, even though he's a drinker and a gambler and is continually making deals with the devil). He believes that, above all, the world keeps going only because people tell stories about it, and he's part of that tradition. He overcomes some of his problems and learns to let his daughter live the life she wants.
What to watch for
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Violence: Characters engage in frequent arguing and infrequent fistfights, with the occasional bloody nose. That said, the movie also has plenty of frightening, nightmarish imagery, such as characters whose mouths shrivel up and disappear and a building that crumbles into a dark abyss.
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Sex: Tony caresses Valetina's face and moves in for a kiss but is interrupted. Later, one of the "mirror Tonys" has sex with Valentina (who's 16) in a boat. They kiss, and the scene then cuts to Tony buttoning his shirt and Valentina lying back with only her bra and underwear on (so sex is clearly implied). Valentina also appears nude in one scene, but her long hair covers all her private parts. Valentina wears a series of low-cut dresses and clothing. In another scene, a woman approaches a sleazy hotel with one of the "mirror Tonys," and she clearly has one thing in mind.
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Language: "S--t" is used more than once; also "ass," "tits," "son of a bitch," "friggin' hell," "hell," "goddamn it," and "Christ's sakes."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Doctor Parnassus frequently drinks and gets drunk, and viewers see him carrying a bottle. He passes out on stage once. On one occasion, Anton drinks from a bottle and gets drunk. Other, minor characters emerge drunk from pubs; some carry bottles and pints. Others smoke cigarettes, but infrequently.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Terry Gilliam's Dark Masterpiece by QuanYin50
Great movie, in the tradition of the European surrealist film makers, like Fellini. Beautiful visuals and color, great fantasy scenes, phenomenal cast. Highly creative and unconventional. More serious than Gilliam's previous films, but still plenty of action, dwarfs, humor, fight scenes, slum scenes, etc. If you want a conventional plot and dislike psychedelic mind bending stuff that's outside of the box, you might not go for this. If you want a thinking person's film that's beautiful to see--go. Great performances from the entire cast--Heath Ledger, Christopher Plummer, Tom Waits, Lily Cole, et. al. Terry Gilliam is a complete original.
5
great fantasy trip by alexgmny
I enjoyed the movie. Original story. Amazing imagination. Great performances. Heath was becoming a greater actor...too bad he is no longer with us. His talent will be missed.
5
an inexplicable masterpiece. by prestonmo
There is nothing quite like the Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus. The story makes more imaginative sense than logical sense, and few are likely to grasp every element upon one viewing. All in all though, It's incredible, inspired, and a masterpiece. It was like a long dream or a hundred Aesopic fables woven together into a kind of super-fable that is bound to impress a profound message upon some viewers, whilst leaving others completely in the dark.
4
If you like different, choose to see it! by lacey1
I took my 11 yr. old daughter because she is a big Heath and Johnny fan. I thought at the end of the movie she would have been totally confused by it. She was not, but she is not your ordinary 11 yr. old. She likes fantasy and anything different. She understood the deal with the devil and what happened when you chose with your pure self. I think that the other actors who finished Heath's part made it extra special. I think it flowed seamless from one Tony to the next Tony. The acting was great all the way around. Visually very cool. I don't think this movie is for everyone - not a mainstream movie. We loved it and my daughter wants to see it again.
4
Whimsical but Ellusive by franks1978
If you enjoyed Avatar, you're probably not smart enough to enjoy this movie. Unlike Avatar, this movie is legitimately visually imaginative, and features an array of enjoyable performances, notably Christopher Plummer's Parnassus and Tom Waits as Mr. Nick. If you require a cohsive plot, this movie probably is not for you as this film intentionally meanders, and although it seems to beg for an allegorical analysis, I'm not sure that works. Still, this was a lot of fun, and the sort of movie that might reward repeat viewings.
3
Had a lot of potential, but not "complete" by Usha L Paradise
While I particularly adore Ledger & Depp (& sometimes Law) as magnificently gifted actors, the storyline & plot jumped. There were holes - pockets of information not provided that would've proved useful in understanding the film better. Tons of symbolism goes over the head because the general audience is not attuned to the meaning of these things (so a little explanation would have helped). In particluar, Tony's pipe, the markings on his head, the relevance of The Hanged Man (is it a good/bad omen? does it influence the Doctor's decision on whether to take Tony in?), & why Mr. Nick could not "get rid" on Tony on his own.
That being said, I know from personal experience how difficult it is to complete a project like this when a major actor dies during production - and this may account for the holes. After all, they were only able to use Depp/Law/Farrell inside the Imaginarium. What I liked: the film inspired me to learn more about those symbols (& much googling ensued).
5
The Imaginarium genius of messers Gilliam, Plummer and Waits by joncrossi
Ok, so the slightly negative things out of the way first, some of the scenes in so-called 'reality' (or modern day London) feel a little choppy and further plot exposition could have come a might quicker to please a more mainstream audience. This is what happens when one of your actors dies during production and also what happens when you get Gilliam at the reigns and he doesn't care about a mainstream audience!
Well thank Mr. Nick that he doesn't care because it's actually a more charming, weird, wonderful, imaginative and amazing film for it.
One word of warning though, despite being Heath Ledger's last film, this is not Heath's movie.
This beautiful, enchanting, funny, bold, creative an deliriously inventive movie belongs to 3 men: Terry Gilliam making his most personal film possibly ever, Christopher Plummer giving the performance of a lifetime and Mr.Tom Waits who shines, enthralls, amuses and steals the film from under everyone elses pythonesque noses.
Also good CGI!
5
I should have brought my 13 year old! by richardmacgurn
I should have brought my kid, but I don't mind having an excuse to see this one again. Like my buddy Randy said when the credits were done rolling, "Psychedelic man!" I haven't tried drugs yet, but what I just witnessed reminds me of an acid trip as described to me from any of my druggie friends in the past, the ones that are still among the living that is. The Imaginarium is aptly named, and Christopher Plumber was perfect as Dr. Parnassus. And a tip of my hoody to the rest of the cast as well, especially Mr. Ledger may he rest in peace. I really couldn't find any problems with anything, the plot, the acting, cinematography, etc. All top notch. This is Gilliam's best movie by far. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next. I wonder if he took psychedelic drugs while writing the script? Whether he did or didn't, it is definitely the product of a very wild imagination that I hope to experience again soon. Go see it, very colorful to say the least!
5
Five Word Review by highlifescenery
Absolutely outstanding masterful creative genius
4
We love Terry Gilliam by entropicangel42
This is a wonderful movie, even if it doesn't quite hold together.