Terry Gilliam

As we all know the rise of the "cut and paste" cartoonist from Monty Python to cult film director has not been an easy transition, not least for his films producers. Rumours of fights with studios and films going over budget were founded in reality. This book, though, starts off with the clear message that the trials and tribulations of Gilliam as a director in conflict have been written about enough. This Pocket Essential, instead, runs through the films looking at psychological subtexts and similarities. As a contrast to the other pocket Essential on Ridley Scott, reviewed last time, there is little behind the scenes revelations. Instead each film is detailed and analysed as if under a microscope. Such scrutiny can be annoying, especially if it differs from the readers view, but in the main it is an informed opinion worth taking note of. It will be invaluable to the media student, but as a general read it is also worthwhile.

The Gilliam's films are generally split into two groups of three: Time Bandits, Brazil and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen as "The Three ages of Man" trilogy. And The Fisher King, 12 Monkeys and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas as the "Renaissance Man" trilogy. Each is compared to the others in the trilogy while other films like The Holy Grail, Jabberwocky and Crimson Permanent Assurance are not forgotten.

Personally I like such film books to deal in facts rather than opinion, but when it is done so openly with such authority, it is an engaging read.