The Adventures of Baron Munchausen | John Neville, Eric Idle

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen | John Neville, Eric Idle | Munchausen's Syndrome

DVDs:

The Adventures of ...

	The Adventures of Baron Munchausen John Neville, Eric Idle Sony Pictures, 1999 average customer review:based on 119 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

Awesome

Straight out, The Baron is the mack. He makes Big Daddy Cane, and Dolemite look like chumps. This is a fantastic story, with such an elegant feel that it never feels lousy. It is easily one of the best movies ever done, and I'd cry like an irate baby if I didnt have it in my collection.

Munchausen's Syndrome

Much maligned as an out-of-control, pretentious post-"Brazil" folly when it first appeared, I actually think this is one of Terry Gilliam's best films, a rich fantasy about the power of imagination. John Neville (whom you may recognize as 'The Well-Manicured Man' from "The X-Files") is wonderful as the joyful, truth-stretching Hieronymus Karl Frederick Baron von Munchausen. The film is populated with lots of cameos and Gilliam's typically extreme characters (especially Oliver Reed as a steam-popping Vulcan and Uma Thurman as Venus, on the half-shell no less). There are some rough edges showing, especially the 'sliding buildings' scene where Gilliam ran out of money, but there are also some marvelous, large scale fantasy moments that more than offset the weaknesses. Eric Idle is great, as is Sarah Polley in her film debut. The film owes a lot to Don Quixote, and is obviously close to Gilliam's heart.

for more information click here

Wonders of the imagination

If movies are for the maker to take the audience on adventures galore to places unknown to see wondrous sights, then this is one of the greatest movies out there. Based on the German folk tale of Baron Munchausen of the early 1700s, this story combines history, romance, comedy, action and adventure into a crazy, amazing movie of mishaps and escapades. The story itself is simple enough; an old man by the name of Baron Munchausen is in a city on the Mediterranean coast. The city is under siege by the Turks and its denizens try to get along as well as possible by doing things such as going to the theatre. The show one night is of the life of Baron Munchausen. The real Baron shows up and proceeds to stop the show, saying that it is a bunch of rubbish. He proceeds to tell the "real version" of his life, and he saved the city from destruction.

The tale he tells includes a trip to the moon, a passage thru a sea monster, an encounter with Vulcan, and his wife Venus, a flight on a hot air balloon and several close calls with the grim reaper. The movie in and of itself is entertaining as is, but also offers numerous gifts for the observant watcher. First, the roundabout storytelling of one story embedded into another is done quite well and seamlessly combines foreshadowing and recall that few other movies have done. Second, the musical score is quite good; an initial listen reminds one of classical music, but upon further inspection, you realize that the score is original and is not a compilation of previously composed works. Third, the DVD version is the only movie (that this reviewer is aware of) in which Uma Thurman is naked (topless). Fourth, the commentary on the Enlightment and the Age of Reason that is fundamental to the Baron's life foreshadows the Romantic music and Naturalism literature that would chronologically follow the 1700s. Fifth, the Baron's four friends; Gustavus, Albrecht, Berthold, and Aldophus display an incredulous combination of talents; and the Baron's efforts to round them up for one final hurrah reminds me of the Greeks teaming up for Troy and many ancient Chinese stories. Sixth, the comedy is quite impressive. Few movies attempt to combine so many types of comedy into one script; slapstick, irony, dry British humor, sarcasm, etc... This movie does so, and with great success. There are many side jokes and scenes that if you do not pay attention, you will miss the punchline. Last, the scene with Vulcan is a not-so subtle commentary on warfare, foreign policy and labor unions.

All in all this is a great movie; very funny with a plot that twists and turns to keep one engaged. I highly recommend it.

for more information click here

Fantastical fun for all ages

This movie is a wonderful adventure which never takes itself seriously, and you shouldn't either. With excellent performances, fantastical sets and storyline, and a leading man who never gives up, it is a light-hearted romp with incredible imagination with a surprise around every corner. Thrill, intrigue, romance, death and war all play a part. My only complaint is that it is quite long. I am overjoyed to own it!

He loved it

Buying this movie really brought back memories for my husband, he was very excited. I say it's a little weird, but Sarah Polly and Uma Thurman are great in these early roles.

for more information click here