The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus - Movie Review - Heath Ledger's Last Film

The shocking blow of Heath Ledger's untimely passing before the The Dark Knight opened was bittersweet. It's rare an actor cut down in their prime leaves behind an artistic legacy worthy of saying their 'spirit lives.' With Ledger's raw performance as focal point, Batman and Heath Ledger fans alike eagerly awaited seeing him play Batman's arch enemy Joker. After record breaking box office receipts, numerous award nominations - both British and American Academy Award nods - the emotional sting of Ledger's sad demise was somewhat muted by such a thrilling cinematic triumph.

Ledger had been praised for solid work in hits like A Knight's Tale, then critically lauded for playing a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain, but The Dark Knight cemented his mythic status like similarly gone too soon actor James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause. Like Ledger, James Dean died before his last film Giant, a sprawling western epic based on a novel, was released. The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus born of writer/director Terry Gilliam's mind also boasts epic ambition. I'm glad to report Gilliam's movie, showcasing Heath Ledger's last performance, delivers on those lofty goals.

Gilliam, who launched into pop culture stardom by British comedy troupe Monty Python, is noted for such popular flights of film fancy as visually arresting The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen and Brazil, returns to artistic form here with eye popping delights, bolstering its narrative complexity. Dr. Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) is an old (really really old) leader of a troupe of theatre performers. His teenage daughter Valentina (Lily Cole), dwarf Percy (Verne Troyer) and Anton (Andrew Garfield) make up the entire troupe, and though their numbers are low, they really have no need of any extra. The mysterious Imaginarium provides all the entertainment that any traveling show would ever need.

As its name implies, the Imaginarium focuses human imagination - or exploits, even hijacks it - to weave fantasies, or nightmares. Once passed through the looking glass entrance, a participant may fly off to an overly sweet candy world of bubblegum and chocolate, which promptly turns sour, or worse. Choices abound in the Imaginarium, till notions of coming to a crossroads become literally realized. One eagerly amorous middle aged woman must choose between promise of tawdry romance at a seedy, neon drenched love nest, or being ferried down a murky river by a Venetian like gondola ferryman. She's helped in her decision making by none other than Johnny Depp - one of three actors making extended cameos here. Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell, help finish Ledger's role of enigmatic Tony Shepherd, who joins Parnassus after Anton and Lily rescue him from a self imposed hangman's noose.

Much was made about Terry Gilliam's idea to cast big name actors, and Ledger's friends, to finish his performance, and Gilliam really makes the most of it. The fantasy element lends itself to the choice, and though they never mimic Ledger, the actors effectively channel the character's dark charm. Ultimately however, Ledger fans may be a bit disappointed. Even though the actor's work is excellent and it's a large, important role, the movie ultimately fixes on and celebrates the Dr. Parnassus character. Christopher Plummer delivers a memorably emotional turn, which may just nab the veteran actor an Oscar nod. Tom Waits as wickedly, delightful Mr. Nick is also one of the film's acting standouts.

Marked by visual shades of What Dreams May Come, along with narrative helpings of The Devil & Daniel Webster, ala sealing deals with Satan, The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus satisfies as a fresh and hearty fantasy. Terry Gilliam's trademark 'Pythonic' artistic playfulness supports a story which grows ever darkly dramatic as the end nears. While Heath Ledger fans may feel a bit short changed by his secondary status in the final plot, his last screen performance clearly shows just how much he had left to give the acting world. Considering Gilliam's confident storytelling skills, Ledger's compelling work and the professional fellowship of his actor friends helping out when they were needed most, the movie works as a joyous cinematic celebration on every level.