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United Kingdom, 2009, 122 Minute Running Time Additional Countries: Canada, France Genre/Subjects: Drama, Fantasy Programs: Contemporary World Cinema, Special PresentationsLanguage: English
DIRECTOR: Terry Gilliam Producer: Victor Hadida (exec), Dave Valleau (exec), Terry Gilliam, William Vince, Amy Gilliam, Samuel HadidaEditor: Mick AudsleyScreenwriter: Terry Gilliam, Charles McKeownCinematographer: Nicola PecoriniPrincipal Cast: Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Jude Law, Christopher Plummer
Delayed but not defeated by the untimely death of its star, Heath Ledger, the new fantasy adventure from auteur Terry Gilliam (Time Bandits, The Fisher King) parlays the legend of Faust into an elaborate modern morality tale. The Imaginarium is a traveling show that gives its audiences a fascinating choice between Light and Darkness. Meanwhile, the show’s mysterious and ageless creator (Christopher Plummer) has struck his own deal with the devil – and his bill has now come due. Can Dr. Parnassus take one last risk and save his 16-year-old daughter from damnation? Production began in December 2007 with Ledger in the pivotal role of Tony, a charming stranger embroiled in Dr. Parnassus’s intrigues. The late actor’s scenes remain intact – and are nowhere, according to Gilliam, altered by digital technology – but after some dramatic retooling, Tony is now also portrayed at various stages of Gilliam’s phantasmagoria by Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, and Jude Law. Lily Cole figures large as the Doctor’s beloved daughter, Valentina, and singer/actor Tom Waits has a vivid turn as Mr. Nick – otherwise known as Satan. The Imaginarium is Gilliam’s third go-round with cowriter Charles McKeown (following Brazil and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen), and the collaborators say this is the most personal Gilliam film in years. “I’m not sure whose autobiography it is,” the director admits. “I thought it was vaguely related to mine, but I'm not sure any more. … It’s about the struggle of creative people to inspire others, encourage them to open their eyes, appreciate the truth of the world, but most are not successful – that’s the reality.”