(Warning - Spoilers) To me, "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" is the film in which director Terry Gilliam unleashes his wild and wicked imagination to the best effect. Although the story is merely a thin platform to support the lavish production design and hilariously fascinating characters, "Munchausen" is otherwise a delicious feast of eye candy and fanciful diversion.
Based on an archaic piece of literature, "Munchausen" is a tale about a dottering, seemingly senile old man who recalls past adventures so astounding as to be beyond belief. He claims to be the cause behind the siege of a small town, and as the enemy is breaking down the gates, the Baron sets off to find his talented servants (who are each endowed with a super-power like speed, strength, eyesight, hearing, etc...) and save the day. The film then concentrates on Munchausen and his young stow-away Sally, going everywhere from the surface of the moon to the depths of hell in search of the Baron's comrades.
The characters and worlds encountered in the Baron and Sally's travels are at once startling, disturbing, and delightful. The sets and costumes are rich and engaging, and they are further enhanced by the mesmerizing cinematography of Giuseppe Rotunno and hauntingly beautiful score composed by Michael Kamen.
Particularly strong performances are given by John Neville as Baron Munchausen, a character who's age spins back and forth about 40 years or so, and Jonathan Pryce who plays the despicable city official, the Right Ordinary Horatio Jackson. Sarah Polley plays the part os Sally skillfully for her age, and never becomes an irritating tag-along child - she is, in fact, the Jiminy Cricket to the boyishly foolish Baron. Eric Idle is his usual amusing self as Berthold, the fastest man in the world.
All the players are very talented, but there are a few in particular that are great fun: Oliver Reed as Vulcan, Uma Thurman as Venus, Peter Jeffrey as The Sultan, and Robin Williams as The King of the Moon. Also included is a very funny cameo featuring former Police frontman Sting.
Apart from a thin story (the Baron looking for his friends), "Munchausen" is a wonderful treat for the eyes, ears, and imagination. The film carries a few messages about the importance of imagination and the horrors of war, but it is presented in a charming, comfortable manner. The dialogue sparkles with wit and cynicism, and just before any message becomes too heavy, comic relief (usually in the form of Idle) keeps the film light and moving along. It's not great storytelling, but "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" is delicious fantasy filmmaking and enjoyable diversion.
Based on an archaic piece of literature, "Munchausen" is a tale about a dottering, seemingly senile old man who recalls past adventures so astounding as to be beyond belief. He claims to be the cause behind the siege of a small town, and as the enemy is breaking down the gates, the Baron sets off to find his talented servants (who are each endowed with a super-power like speed, strength, eyesight, hearing, etc...) and save the day. The film then concentrates on Munchausen and his young stow-away Sally, going everywhere from the surface of the moon to the depths of hell in search of the Baron's comrades.
The characters and worlds encountered in the Baron and Sally's travels are at once startling, disturbing, and delightful. The sets and costumes are rich and engaging, and they are further enhanced by the mesmerizing cinematography of Giuseppe Rotunno and hauntingly beautiful score composed by Michael Kamen.
Particularly strong performances are given by John Neville as Baron Munchausen, a character who's age spins back and forth about 40 years or so, and Jonathan Pryce who plays the despicable city official, the Right Ordinary Horatio Jackson. Sarah Polley plays the part os Sally skillfully for her age, and never becomes an irritating tag-along child - she is, in fact, the Jiminy Cricket to the boyishly foolish Baron. Eric Idle is his usual amusing self as Berthold, the fastest man in the world.
All the players are very talented, but there are a few in particular that are great fun: Oliver Reed as Vulcan, Uma Thurman as Venus, Peter Jeffrey as The Sultan, and Robin Williams as The King of the Moon. Also included is a very funny cameo featuring former Police frontman Sting.
Apart from a thin story (the Baron looking for his friends), "Munchausen" is a wonderful treat for the eyes, ears, and imagination. The film carries a few messages about the importance of imagination and the horrors of war, but it is presented in a charming, comfortable manner. The dialogue sparkles with wit and cynicism, and just before any message becomes too heavy, comic relief (usually in the form of Idle) keeps the film light and moving along. It's not great storytelling, but "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" is delicious fantasy filmmaking and enjoyable diversion.