Remarkable. Unbelievable. Impossible. And true.

An old man interrupts a rowdy theater rendition of baron Munchausen’s life to let the audience know who the real guy was. Do you dare challenge his words? A series of colorful vignettes follow this introduction; they are fast and funny, as the most notorious liar in all literature visits the moon, flies the famed cannonball and ends up in the belly of a sea monster. There is great attention to detail, but as in all Terry Gilliam ventures things tend to get too protracted and one’s interest begins to wane. John Neville is perfect as the sophisticated baron and the supporting cast adds flavor.

1989-Britain-West Germany-U.S. 126 min. Color. Directed by Terry Gilliam. Novel: Rudolf Erich Raspe. Production Design: Dante Ferretti. Cast: John Neville (Baron Münchausen), Eric Idle (Desmond/Berthold), Sarah Polley (Sally Salt), Oliver Reed, Charles McKeown, Winston Dennis… Uma Thurman, Sting, Robin Williams.

Trivia: According to Gilliam, this is the final part of a trilogy where Time Bandits represents youth, Brazil the middle age and this movie old age.

BAFTA: Best Production Design, Costume Design, Makeup.

Quote: “No, let me go! I’ve got tides to regulate! Comets to direct! I don’t have time for flatulence and orgasms!” (Williams as the King of the Moon, his disembodied head about to be recaptured by his body)

Published 2003-02-22 12:16