The Imaginarium Of Dr. Parnassus
I've managed to catch 'The Imaginarium Of Dr Parnassus' last week. It's really a pity to see that it hasn't generated that much buzz or excitement for people to watch it...I mean, it's only been about 2 weeks or so, and the cinemas are already limiting the number of showings! Not enough people coming to catch the last movie that Heath Ledger made before he passed, I presume...=(
Still, the movie did cast an interesting light on the extent of our imaginations. The story basically talks about Dr Parnassus (Christopher Plummer, who made Captain Von Trapp super famous in 'The Sound Of Music'), an old monk that made bets with the Devil (played brilliantly by Tom Waits) and uses a magical mirror to bring people from all walks of life into their own imaginations. Along the way, Dr Parnassus and his troupe (consisting of his daughter, a boy called Anton, and a midget called Percy) chanced upon another curious character, Tony (Heath Ledger) and they all set upon a most bizzare and otherworldly journey that will either knock your socks off (if you get the whole bizzare thing) or knock you completely confused (if you're just too logical and all that jazz).
The cast were brilliant in the movie..Christopher Plummer definitely plays the old monk with great aplomb, balancing the drunken stupor that the character is almost always in and the wise, engaging storyteller of a man when the character is sober. But the one that steals the show would be Heath Ledger, who brought Tony to life with his little mannerisms and British accent that one can't really place. It's a little sad though to see when Tony changes faces (played by Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell) during the story. One would definitely be able to tell which parts were made after his death...but still, the other actors held their own and melded their interpretation of Tony with Heath's very well.
If you're not into the whole story (or you just don't understand it), just watch it for the visuals. The 'worlds' created by the characters' imaginations will surely leave you breathless. Think Tim Burton's 'Charlie and The Chocolate Factory' with a darker, more adult twist. Although looking really bizzare (I seem to be using this word a lot, but I think this is the most apt word for it. LOL!), surreal, and abstract-ish, the effects are awesome. I guess it's something to be seen in order to be believed *wink*
All in all, it's quite hard to place what the movie is all about (in my opinion), but the effects of the movie definitely is a crowd puller. If you DO go watch the movie, make sure you don't go for a late night showing (as the pace might render you sleepy) and don't worry if you don't 'get' the story at all...just sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the whole experience. *wink*
Best of luck to you with the review gig!
How cool!
It is really great to follow one's heart AND interests!
Wonderful! Think you were made for this really...i enjoy your reviews a lot. All the best.
that's so cool audrey!! congrats congrats! :D
did i just give u shock? :s ur blog is in ur fb ma so i come here look see look see. hope u don't mind ya