The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)

Heath Ledger's final film, a subject that has overshadowed his final 2 films (this and Dark Knight), but for good reason...the man was good at what he did. Even if Ledger had not died I would have been excited for this film because it is written and Directed by one of my favorites, Terry Gilliam, of Monty Python fame who also directed (Time Bandits and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen), so im already a fan of his work. So when Ledger died I was saddened for 2 reasons, he was gone and this movie was in danger of being scrapped. But Terry Gilliam was able to save the film and re-worked some of the script in order to replace Ledger.

The title comes from the traveling troop that the film centers around. The Imaginarium is actually a portal into the head of Dr. Parnassus (Similar to the film Being John Malcovich). At the beginning a young drunk man wonders beyond the mirror and into the imaginarium, where he face plants and his appearence changes. I believe signifying that "bad" people change in there. This is how they justify the use of Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Ferral, every time Tony (Ledger) enters the imaginarium his appearence changes into one of those 3. It is rather sad the Ledger first scene in the film is him hanging by the neck off a bridge...

The majority of the film center around to relationships. Dr. Parnassus vs. Mr. Nick, who represents The Devil. And the relationship between Tony and Valentina (The Dr.'s daughter). Parnassus is well over 1000 years old after making a deal of immortality with Mr. Nick. But for years he has been trying to win back his soul, through a series of bets about who can collect the most souls. Finally with Tony and his charm and charisma Parnassus finally has a chance to win.

The film can be a bit confusing so you need to pay a great deal of attention. The acting was fine, I kinda wish Ledger had done some more comedic roles because the lines in his last 2 films have been great. Christopher Plummer (Parnassus), Verne Troyer (Percy) amd Tom Waits (Mr. Nick) all have great chemistry together together. Altough Waits' voice can be difficult to understand at times. My only demerit towards it is I think they should have just used Johnny Depp to replace Ledger, He actually kinda looks like him and hes a helluva better actor then the other two.

This is a movie the I would say go out and rent especially if your a Monty fan like I am.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus recieves 7 "We miss you Heath Ledger's"...out of 10