Press-Republican

A&E

Discussion

PLEASE NOTE: There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.

ALSO NOTE: Derisive name-calling of an individual or group will result in the entire comment being deleted. This includes the terms "stupid" and "idiot" and similar references.

Welcome to our new online comments feature. Before you can join the discussion, you must first register with Disqus and verify your email address.

Once you do, your comments will post after they have been reviewed by a moderator.

We welcome your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean.

Not all comments are deemed printable. Some are disqualified, at the newspaper’s discretion, for a number of reasons. Here are some typical practices to avoid in trying to get your comment printed:

There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.

Don’t state as a fact something that is unsubstantiated or that our editors wouldn't know to be true.

Don’t presume someone’s guilt in a case when it hasn't been established by a court.

Don’t assail or impugn an identifiable individual or group. If you have that kind of criticism, sign your name and submit it as a Letter to the Editor. (There is some leeway on this in connection with public officials, but it is not unconditional.)

Don’t use profanity. This includes the term “tea bagger.”

Don’t be incendiary or tasteless. Those qualities are subjective, of course, and our editors will be the arbiters.

Do not identify yourself in the main content area of the article content form. Only by enforcing this rule can the moderators prevent unscrupulous commenters from falsely identifying themselves as someone they are not.

Don't type in all caps. It is considered the Internet equivalent of shouting.

In sports articles, do not criticize officiating.

Remember, moderators are not allowed to edit any article comments. If an article comment fails any of the above criteria, the entire comment will be deleted.

We monitor comments Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Approval of comments outside these times may be delayed.
comments powered by Disqus
February 24, 2010

Gilliam's latest film is Ledger's last

By STEVE OUELLETTE, Movie Review

"The Dark Knight" is what the late Heath Ledger will be best remembered for, but it wasn't quite the final thing that he ever appeared in.

That would be the trippy Terry Gilliam invention "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus," which just reached Plattsburgh this week.

Ledger first appears in the film, rather disturbingly, as an apparently lifeless body hanging in a noose strung over a bridge. His character, Tony, however, is revived and is quickly drawn into the imaginative — perhaps slightly deranged — plot.

Dr. Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) is a 1,000-year-old mystic who long ago made an unfortunate pact — when his daughter Valentina turns 16, her soul will be turned over to the devil. Now, a couple of days shy of her Sweet Sixteen, he's desperate to find a way to save her.

Father and daughter, along with love-struck teen Anton (Andrew Garfield) and plucky dwarf Percy (Verne "Mini Me" Troyer), make up a bizarre, dilapidated traveling road show. What few customers they can lure in are treated to a world of imagination that looms behind a magic mirror.

The mirror, however, becomes the focus of a new bet with Mr. Nick (the playful devil portrayed by musician Tom Waits): The first one to tempt five souls gets to keep Valentina.

Ledger's charismatic Tony has a mysterious past — hidden somewhere behind his amnesia — but he proves to be a natural showman and could be the key to saving the doctor's daughter.

Confused yet? In typical Gilliam fashion, "Imaginarium" is excessive and self-indulgent, chaotic and unfocused. It's most definitely not for mainstream tastes. It's also, however, completely original, with a number of laughs and thought-provoking images.

Ledger gives a smooth and appealing performance "¦ as far as it goes. He died of an accidental overdose before the film was finished, and to make up for it, Gilliam came up with an inspired gimmick. Three times, Tony ventures into the magical mirror, and each time his appearance changes along with the landscape of the world.

Ledger's friends Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell each take on the changed character for one of the scenes, and the effect is seamless. If you didn't know better, you'd think it was originally written that way.

The other performances are also strong. Plummer chews up the scenery as Dr. Parnassus, and Lilly Cole shows a sparkle in her first leading role, as Valentina. Even Troyer gets to display some real acting chops.

"Imaginarium" won't win any posthumous awards for Ledger, but it's an appealing bit of whimsy for those who like that sort of thing.

Rental Recommendation: Terry Gilliam's creations are usually fascinating, but rarely flawless. "The Fisher King," however, is as good as he gets. Grade: A.

E-mail Steve Ouellette at: ouellette1918@gmail.com

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Steve Ouellette's Movie Reviews

Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
Entertainment Videos
ShowBiz Minute: Houston, Grammys, BAFTAs 'The Artist' Triumphs at the BAFTAs Stars Share Heartfelt Whitney Houston Memories 'Rumor Has It' Adele's Rolling in the Grammys Grohl, Grammy Nominees Cut Up on the Red Carpet Whitney Houston's Church Mourns Her Passing Reaction to Houston's Death at Clive Davis Party Raw Video: Whitney Houston's Last Performance Fans 'Speechless' Over Houston's Death Police: Houston Found Dead in Her Hotel Room Latest Jason Wu Collection Shows Chinese Roots ShowBiz Minute: Madonna, Beresford-Redman, Pawsc Stars Show Support at AMFAR Charity Gala BCBG Kicks Off NY Fashion Week The Muppets Are Oscars Bound! ShowBiz Minute: House, Perry/Brand, Grammys Hearts Are Pumping for the Ladies in Red Androgynous Model Walks Runway As Man and Woman ShowBiz Minute: Super Bowl, Taylor, Adele Dench: 'I'm Not Going to Retire.'