The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

PG-13

Released Jan 8, 2010

2 hr. 2 min.

Fantasy

Adventure

Mystery & Thriller

List

64%

197 Reviews

Tomatometer

60%

250,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Dr. Parnassus (Christopher Plummer), the leader of a traveling show, has a dark secret. Thousands of years ago he traded the soul of his daughter, Valentina, to the devil. Now the devil has come to collect his prize. To save her, Parnassus must make a final wager: Whoever collects five souls first will win Valentina. Tony (Heath Ledger), a man saved from hanging by Parnassus' troupe, agrees to help collect them, with his eye on marrying Valentina.

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Critics Consensus

Terry Gilliam remains as indulgent as ever, but The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus represents a return to the intoxicatingly imaginative, darkly beautiful power of his earlier work, with fine performances to match all the visual spectacle.

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Jaidic

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a visually stunning and intellectually captivating masterpiece that takes audiences on a mesmerizing journey through the realms of imagination. Directed by the visionary Terry Gilliam, this film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the boundless creativity of the human mind. One of the standout features of the movie is its breathtaking visual design. Gilliam, known for his distinctive and fantastical style, brings the fantastical world of Doctor Parnassus to life with a vibrant and surreal aesthetic. The use of practical effects, intricate set designs, and imaginative CGI creates a visual feast for the eyes, making every frame a work of art. The stellar cast, including the late Heath Ledger in his final role, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell, seamlessly steps into the enigmatic world of Doctor Parnassus. The transition between the actors in different dimensions of the Imaginarium is not only a clever solution to Ledger's untimely passing but also adds a unique layer to the narrative. Each actor brings depth and nuance to their characters, contributing to the film's emotional resonance. At its core, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a tale of morality, choice, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Christopher Plummer's portrayal of the titular character, Doctor Parnassus, is both charming and poignant. His quest to outsmart the devil, played brilliantly by Tom Waits, provides a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of one's choices and the nature of good and evil. The narrative is rich with symbolism and allegory, inviting the audience to reflect on the complexities of life and the importance of holding onto one's dreams. The script is cleverly written, blending fantasy with philosophical undertones, and is complemented by a hauntingly beautiful musical score that enhances the film's emotional impact. In conclusion, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a cinematic gem that transports viewers to a world where reality and imagination collide. Gilliam's visionary direction, combined with an exceptional cast and a thought-provoking narrative, makes this film an unforgettable and magical experience. It is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the limitless possibilities of the human mind.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/01/23

Full Review

StephenPaul C

The greatest 02 hours: and 02 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In memory of Heath Ledger (in his last role)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/09/23

Full Review

Gareth v

Terry Gilliam's imagination is let loose here when someone should of reigned him in and told him a coherent plot is pretty important.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/21/23

Full Review

Anna B

I liked it a lot. It was very different from any other movie I've seen. Very imaginative,surreal, colorful, but not at all confusing like those 'artful' movies tend to be. Loved seeing all the different cameos from Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrel. I recommend 👌.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/26/23

Full Review

Mike M

Started off slightly coherent... then became less coherent. A real fever dream.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

04/02/23

Full Review

Matt M

I believe this movie was to deep for 95% of Western minds. It is a movie that is very complex and goes over most peoples heads in it abstract meanings often. It's a thinkers movie and sadly most movie goers and critics are not that. I have a high IQ so I see things in this movie many don't and I don't fault others for not seeing them. It's like reading a sheet of stats, I see facts and pictures that excite me but bore others to tears. It simply differences how people see and understand things. That's all there is to it. We all made up differently and enjoy different things. I deeply enjoyed this movie I could explain why but why? You wouldn't understand possibly. Some people Alice in Wonderland as a Fairy-tale and I see as it as a Cocaine induced story written in one night about 1800 royal obsession in England. Amazing right.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/09/23

Full Review

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Terry Gilliam

Director

Heath Ledger

Tony

Christopher Plummer

Dr. Parnassus

Verne Troyer

Percy

Andrew Garfield

Anton

Lily Cole

Valentina

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Hank Sartin

Time Out

Rated: 2/5

Nov 18, 2011

Full Review

Christine Champ

Film.com

The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus is one of those movies that, despite spectacular elements, doesn't add up to a spectacular film.

Rated: C+

May 6, 2011

Full Review

Jonathan F. Richards

Film.com

Terry Gilliam, the veteran film director who cut his teeth as the animation wizard of television's legendary Monty Python's Flying Circus, has flirted with genius throughout his career, and bedded her from time to time. In The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnas

Jan 15, 2010

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Has some inspired moments but does not exorcise the curse of forcefully finishing something that should have stayed invisible. [Full review in Spanish]

Jul 15, 2022

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Made with autobiographical flourishes, the film acknowledges through wild visual and narrative symbolism the monumentality of Gilliam's filmmaking travails, how he has been all but crushed by those in power.

Rated: 4/4

Mar 20, 2022

Full Review

Felicia Feaster

Charleston City Paper

But it is difficult to be awed by Gilliam's imagination when it is so consistently unyoked to story and seems more about the director's own creative satisfaction than bequeathing his audience some reward for their time.

Jan 23, 2020

Full Review

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Synopsis

Dr. Parnassus (Christopher Plummer), the leader of a traveling show, has a dark secret. Thousands of years ago he traded the soul of his daughter, Valentina, to the devil. Now the devil has come to collect his prize. To save her, Parnassus must make a final wager: Whoever collects five souls first will win Valentina. Tony (Heath Ledger), a man saved from hanging by Parnassus' troupe, agrees to help collect them, with his eye on marrying Valentina.

Director: Terry Gilliam
Executive Producer: David Valleau, Victor Hadida
Screenwriter: Terry Gilliam, Charles McKeown
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Infinity Entertainment, E1 Entertainment, Poo Poo Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Smoking|Language|Some Sensuality|Violent Images)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 8, 2010, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 11, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $7.7M

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