Gilliam has had a brief history of production curses that has halted one of his films "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote" for many years now, and the dark shadow that has passed over the filming of "Dr.Parnassus" in regards to the untimely death of Heath Ledger during principle production. Gilliam was able to finish the film, and release it with the blessing of Heath's family. Ledger played one of the incarnations of the character named "Tony", which is also shared by actors Colin Farrell, Jude Law, and Johnny Depp.
The main role is played by veteran actor Christopher Plummer, who makes a deal with the devil played by the mysteriously funny and foreboding singer turned actor Tom Waits. The story is a basic Faustian Fairy Tale, where the good doctor makes his deal with the devil to gain immortality, but as usually when dealing with the devil, it comes at a price.
So many centuries later, the Doctor is touring with his travelling troop of players, entertaining the crowds, and giving them more of a show than they expect.
This promises to be yet another captivating tale of dark and depraved humor courtesy of the creative genius that is Terry Gilliam's imagination. The man who brought you such classics as
"Monty Python and the Holy Grail", "Time Bandits", "Brazil", "Adventures of Baron Munchausen", "The Fisher King", "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and "The Brothers Grimm", which also starred Heath Ledger.
It may not be a box office blockbuster, but it should attract the usual fans and cult followers. And much in the way the recent film tribute to Bob Dylan "I Am Not There" where several actors, including the late Heath Ledger got crack at playing the folk singer, it should be interesting to see how the combined efforts of Jude Law, Colin Farrell and Johnny Depp play out in the making or breaking of this role.
And if for no other reason, you get to see Heath Ledger in his final role!
Cool pre-review!
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