Late actor and posthumous Academy Award-winner Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose while filming “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus,” a dark sci-fi fantasy directed by Monty Python alum Terry Gilliam. The film was in limbo after Ledger’s death; Gilliam wasn’t even sure if he wanted to continue the shoot with Ledger gone. But Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell stepped into the project out of respect for their friend, and the film was completed. At long last, “The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus” is now out in limited release, with a premiere party held in London last night.
TRAGIC actor HEATH LEDGER’s last film performance premiered in London tonight.
Ledger died one-third of the way through filming fantasy epic The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus from an accidental overdose.
The movie was saved after JUDE LAW, JOHNNY DEPP and COLIN FARRELL stepped in to play various incarnations of his character.
However, the replacement Hollywood actors were noticably absent from the red carpet allowing the film’s other stars including LILY COLE, VERNE TROYER, and TOM WAITS to enjoy the limelight.
Celeb guests PALOMA FAITH, LA TOYA JACKSON and JOANNA PAGE enjoyed the VIP viewing of the film in Leicester Square.
So far, the reviews are mixed, with some praising the movie’s “weird, pulled-from-a-dream art design,” while others found it to be “a huge disappointment for any fan of Terry Gilliam’s work. One reviewer pointed out that for better or worse, the final screen performance by Ledger shouldn’t go unnoticed.
The latest film from Terry Gilliam came close to being shut down outright after Ledger’s untimely death from an accidental overdose. But with some clever script changes, and with the help of Ledger’s peers, production on the film proceeded.
Eighteen months later, we’re finally able to see the final performance from the brilliant young Ledger.
As with The Dark Knight, in which Ledger created a chilling Joker, his performance in Imaginarium original and convincing. He seems at ease in the role of Tony, a charming and charmed charlatan on the run.
You can see the trailer below. I thought it looked intriguing, but I’m also a big fan of most of Gilliam’s previous films, especially “Brazil,” “12 Monkeys” and “The Fisher King.” His wild visuals and non-linear plots aren’t for everyone – and that’s probably what drew Heath Ledger to the film in the first place. It will be interesting to see if the public checks the movie out based on his draw alone.
Photos are stills thanks to AllMoviePhoto, and of Lilly Cole, Verne Troyer and Terry Gilliam at the UK premiere on 10/6/09. Credit: WENN.com
I heard that Depp, Law and Farrell (gee, that sounds like a law firm) all donated their fee to Matilda’s trust.
They did, Im going to be so upset when I watch this movie too. But IM watching it as many times as I can, Hollywood lost a truely amazing talent. But it’s us who have missed out on what could have been. BUT THE WORST of this whole thing is that there is a a little girl growing up with her daddy. Mommy has a new guy in her life every year it seems. Ledger wa sa wonderful father he adored his little girl, ther eis no way he would have willingly left her.
I love Terry Gilliam’s movies. Brazil was my favorite for a long time. It was really unique for it’s time, long before CGI could make every movie look fantastical. This one also looks good.
Oh yeah, I can’t wait to see this, it all looks very artistic. I can’t wait for more screen caps to come out. I use alot of these things as wallpapers.
Anybody heard anything on Camerons Avatar yet? Or am I just out of the loop.
This is destined to be a cult classic, simply because it is Ledger’s last film. I know I will want to personally own it if and when it comes out on DVD.
His passing is unbelievably tragic in so many ways. So much lost to so many.
I am very excited about seeing this, except that Gilliam signed the Polanski petition, which leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Not sure what I’m going to do about it — I’m disappointed that Gilliam signed, because he usually marches to the beat of his own drum. I wouldn’t have expected him to sign a mainstream Hollywood petition at all, much less one showing support for a child rapist.
That’s so weird, I thought Michelle Williams had dated like, one guy since Ledgers death. Also, weren’t they separated when he died?
Michelle and Heath broke up 6-12 months before his death and she isn’t dating a bunch of guys. She dated Spike Jones for almost a year and they recently brokeup. She may have dated one other guy.
This will be an unpopular statement, I think:
I sometimes get the feeling that there is more than a little glorification of Heath just because he is dead. That, I find creepy. He was a great actor, I think, and would have done a lot of great work. But the fact that people were calling for an Oscar nomination for the Joker before the film had been screened (let alone released) is telling. I don’t mean to trivialize the sadness of his passing, but it doesn’t make him the greatest that ever was or will be. (C’mon have you actually watched The Brothers Grimm? It’s fun, but it’s not um… award-worthy.)
That said, I have high hopes. Because of Gilliam. And because of the actors who stepped in. That implies a good story, an interesting project.
@ *Lee* – Yup.
I truly and honestly adore Heath Ledger. From day one. He always chose movies that were not mainstream and quite frankly odd. I don’t care for some of his movies (4 feathers anyone?) and some of his movies will always be my rainy day favorites (knight’s tale). I don’t think mainstream will love this movie. I don’t think it would have mattered one bit to Heath!
I used to say “I sure wish he would make a movie I wanted to watch”; which is the heart of the issue I think regarding the controversy over his talent.
I’m still sad. His stars were destined to be very grand indeed. He was indeed truly gifted.
@ princess pea – you are not alone.
Not saying anything bad about Heath Ledger personally or his acting, as I have no opinion on that, but I have thought the same thing about the post-death glorification factor. It is a tad over the top. Guess his fans feel very deeply about him.
This movie is graet!
No Violence.
Bur colors, joy, fun, music, laughter.
princess pea: I concur with your sentiments.
I wouldn’t exactly count Brother’s Grimm in this. That movie was just in good fun. Can only do so much with a script. Don’t hold that against Heath.