The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is one trippy film experience. But given that it was directed by visionary Terry Gilliam, that should come as absolutely no surprise. Gilliam's films are quite often an acquired taste, but I've always been a big fan of the veteran Monty Python crew member. In The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, a wonderful Christopher Plummer plays Doctor Parnassus, an immortal traveler who, along with a handful of colorful sidekicks, takes his mobile Imaginarium from one town to the next, encouraging patrons to enter and experience the fantastical. Upon their weary travels, Parnassus and crew rescue and nurse back to health a vagabond (played by the late Heath Ledger) who, in turn, offers a few suggestions that might take Doctor Parnassus' Imaginarium to new lucrative heights.

Describing Gilliam's unique vision is no easy task, so I wont attempt to. I will say that there's a lot going on in this picture (perhaps too much) and its the dreamlike Imaginarium sequences that are most memorable. Perhaps this film's biggest draw is the involvement of Heath Ledger who passed away shortly after filming began. Determined to finish the project, Gilliam came up with an intriguing solution to his most unfortunate problem. Thankfully, Ledger had completed all of his "reality" portions of the film, so in a stroke of genius, Gilliam would employ three other actors (Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Collin Farell) to interpret Ledger's character in the vibrant Imaginarium sequences. The end result is a haunting and fittingly effective tribute to a wonderful actor whom we lost far too soon. To Gilliam's great credit, this visually sumptuous, modestly budgeted fantasy does have more to offer than a final glimpse at Ledger.

The visual effects in this picture are oddly effective and they perfectly suit the tone of the film. Equally effective is the stellar cinematography, the stunning art direction, and a loopy but picture perfect performance by Tom Waits (who shows up as...The Devil). The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnssus is, above all, a tale about the power of storytelling. In a way, it almost plays as a Gilliam autobiography. This film is overstuffed with ideas that don't always come to fruition and while this is hardly a return to Gilliam's glory days (Time Bandits, Brazil, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Fisher King, Twelve Monkeys, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, are Gilliam essentials), its still well worth checking out.