Tonight Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is here to entertain us. And entertain it does. It’s a visually stunning piece that is unfortunately Heath Ledger’s last film. It is also, sadly, a hard to understand and grasp film because it deals with the imagination. So at times you are wondering exactly what is going on. But, keep in mind that it is a dream world at times and you are meant to view it simply with awe and wonder for what it is.

As mentioned a moment ago, this is a film that revolves around The Great Parnasus, Christopher Plummer, but the show is stolen by Tony, Heath Ledger who died during filming without completing the film. Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrel stepped in and finished Heath’s part donating their fees to Ledger’s daughter, Matilda.

In a nutshell, you have Dr. Parnassus (or Parny as “Mr. Nick”, aka, the Devil calls him), who centuries ago made a deal with the devil for immortality. The condition of that deal, well, would give away a little of the enjoyment of the movie, so I’ll not reveal that snippet. Basically Dr. Parnassus’s theory is that people will always tell stories and have imagination but with modern society his road show is run down because of the lack of imagination and participation in stories (I disagree, but what weight does my opinion hold?). Dr. Parnassus and the Devil continue to engage in little side bets that Parnassus continues to win by just the skin of his teeth. In fact, when the Devil does win one, he says “Damn, I won.” So clearly the Devil is getting more out of the thrill of the bet than from the actual winnings/losing.

As they are moving along, they stumble upon Heath Ledger’s character, Tony, hung from under a bridge. He’s rescued by Parnassus’ daughter and stagehands. But, amazingly Tony is alive, saved from the noose by a sturdy metal whistle-thingy. He’s lost his memory but slowly its revealed who he really is. Tony was once a charity and funds manager but was accused of embezzling the money. He beings to help out with the road show and lures people into Parnassus’s mirror, which is active when he’s in a trance. The mirror, becomes a dreamworld into the imagination of the one who entered. What do they find? The world of their dreams which eventually leads them to a choice — what do they chose, and choosing right or wrong determines if they make it back to the land of the living or head off to the realm of the Devil.

The movie also has some hidden morals. You can see someone running from supposed danger who meets a long stair case, the 12 x 12 x 12 Step Program. The long hard climb back to a normal life. Or, a quick easy walk over to a pub where you “could use a drink”. Choosing wrong here, the pub exploded and the Devil has won. Or perhaps a crossroad, one arrow is the High Road, the other the Low Road. If only life’s choices were so easily laid out like they are here, or as easy as they may seem in our dreams. Why don’t things work so well? Is it our lack of faith? Why do we always chose the easy path when a path that while it may seem harder, it really isn’t much worse of a path and it yields far better results in life. Doing the right thing is important regardless what the options may indicate.

All in all, its a fun little movie. Visually captivating and entertaining to watch. Some people may not care for it, but if you enjoy things that are just a little strange, this one will fit you.

Things learned from this movie:

1. A metal flute can save your life if your being lynched.
2. The Devil doesn’t really understand Black Magic.
3. If your midget was to leave you, you would go and get another.
4. Can you put a price on dreams?
5. Stories must go on.
6. If you see someone weaker than you, you should bully them.
7. Are you a betting man?
8. The Devil always collects at midnight.

Rated PG-13. 123 minutes (1 hours 3 minutes). Very much a “tame” movie. Not too much violence or profanity (there’s some). Valentina sits supposedly nude as Eve in the garden, draped only by her long hair as you scrutinize to see if you can spot a nipple.