“BEYOND THE LOOKING GLASS”
Starring: Heath Ledger, Christopher Plumber, Vern Troyer, Lily Cole, Tom Waits, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Ferrell
Directed by: Terry Gilliam
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violent images, some sensuality, language and smoking
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
By John Delia
An all around great cast, a strange but fascinating story, fine direction and innovative cinematography, make The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus an entertaining film. For those who like their films bizarre and captivating, this is your chance to fantasize.
The film centers on a theater troupe made up of Dr. Parnassus (Plummer), Percy (Troyer), Valentina (Lily Cole) and Anton (Andrew Garfield), that work the seedy side of London gathering audiences from the street to participate in their sideshow. For a small fee, patrons are allowed to enter a magic mirror that will allow them to see themselves in a new light. On one such occasion, while performing in a quaint town,Valentina befriends Tony (Ledger), a charming young man who has the gift of salesmanship. Valentina falls for Tony, and he joins the troupe.
In the meantime, Dr. Parnassus lost a bet with the Devil (Waits), involving Valentina, and on the eve of her 16th birthday, Satan comes to collect her. Dr. Parnassus challenges the Devil, making one last bet, with the prize being Valentina’s freedom, but if he looses the consequences are heavy. When Tony starts spinning his charm, giving Dr. Parnassus the edge, the Devil takes drastic measures to stop him.
Most everyone knows by now that Ledger died while making this film. Gilliam did not want Ledger’s performance to go unseen. In a stroke of genius, he hired three actors to play Tony after he enters the looking glass, as when you go through the mirror, you change. Each of the three actors gives eloquent performances. After going through the mirror, Depp gives Tony a touch of grace, Farrell a crafty charm and Law a strong will.
Direction by Gilliam is always good in my book as his fantasy lingers on well after the film’s end. I especially like the way he makes his characters interesting and extraordinary; like Plumber as the old gambler who tries to outplay the Devil, a sarcastic Troyer providing the comedy to lighten the script, a spiteful Waits as the antagonist Devil incarnate, and Cole playing the coy damsel who is the prize of this whole farce.
It was great to see Heath Ledger in the brilliant satire as he always does his best in films like this. It is also sad that the film world lost such a great actor. But, Ledger will live on in all the work that he has given to us. Although there are great performances by the entire cast, Gilliam finished the film as a tribute to the wonderful actor, and he dedicates it to his memory. Make sure you stay for the end credits.
The film is rated PG-13 for violent images, some sensuality, language and smoking — all of which are part of the character development.
FINAL ANALYSIS:Â A delicious magical satire involving the frailties of life. (4 of 5 Palm Trees)