The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (PG-13, 2009)

common sense media says

Imaginative Heath Ledger fantasy is too dark for young kids.

parents & educators say

50% say violence is an issue
38% say language is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a fantasy movie with elements that might look family friendly, it dives into some fairly mature and dark waters -- very much like the often brutal and terrifying Grimm fairy tales that inspire director Terry Gilliam. The imagery, while dazzling, is also frightening and even nightmarish at times (and the first 40 minutes of the movie are very disjointed, which may turn off some viewers), so it's not an age-appropriate pick for younger kids. Plus, the devil is one of the movie's major characters, and the "heroes" aren't exactly shining role models, either -- many of them keep secrets and deceive people, often for selfish reasons. And the 16-year-old heroine has sex and is seen smoking a cigarette the next morning (presumably after the act itself). Many viewers will be curious to see Heath Ledger's final performance and how Gilliam finished the film around his absence, but Ledger is ultimately just one member of an ensemble cast and not really the film's "star."

Positive messages: Although the characters aren't exactly virtuous, Doctor Parnassus does (mostly) learn from his mistakes. His bets with the devil are all done with the aim of saving his daughter, and when he finally lets her go to live her own life, he has -- in a sense -- freed himself. And in the end, he has continued to be a storyteller (a most important job, according to the movie).

Positive role models: Certainly Tony (a liar and possibly a thief) isn't a role model, but it's possible that Doctor Parnassus has some good things to impart to audiences, even though he's a drinker and a gambler and is continually making deals with the devil). He believes that, above all, the world keeps going only because people tell stories about it, and he's part of that tradition. He overcomes some of his problems and learns to let his daughter live the life she wants.

Violence: Characters engage in frequent arguing and infrequent fistfights, with the occasional bloody nose. That said, the movie also has plenty of frightening, nightmarish imagery, such as characters whose mouths shrivel up and disappear and a building that crumbles into a dark abyss.

Sex: Tony caresses Valetina's face and moves in for a kiss but is interrupted. Later, one of the "mirror Tonys" has sex with Valentina (who's 16) in a boat. They kiss, and the scene then cuts to Tony buttoning his shirt and Valentina lying back with only her bra and underwear on (so sex is clearly implied). Valentina also appears nude in one scene, but her long hair covers all her private parts. Valentina wears a series of low-cut dresses and clothing. In another scene, a woman approaches a sleazy hotel with one of the "mirror Tonys," and she clearly has one thing in mind.

Language: "S--t" is used more than once; also "ass," "tits," "son of a bitch," "friggin' hell," "hell," "goddamn it," and "Christ's sakes."

Consumerism: Not applicable.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Doctor Parnassus frequently drinks and gets drunk, and viewers see him carrying a bottle. He passes out on stage once. On one occasion, Anton drinks from a bottle and gets drunk. Other, minor characters emerge drunk from pubs; some carry bottles and pints. Others smoke cigarettes, but infrequently.

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What to talk about

Talk to your kids

How do you think Gilliam's decision to "replace" Heath Ledger with three other actors worked out? Is the movie meant to be seen as a tribute to Ledger?
Is the movie more or less scary than films that have more outright violence? Do scenes have to be violent to be scary?
Why would someone be tempted to make a deal with the devil? Is Doctor Parnassus' "prize" for winning one of his deals a blessing or a curse?
Doctor Parnassus believes that the world goes on because people tell stories. Do you agree or disagree?

What's the story?

Doctor Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) runs a traveling carnival show featuring a magic mirror that leads to fantastic worlds. Long ago he made a deal with the devil, who's known as Mr. Nick (Tom Waits). Parnassus' daughter Valentina (Lily Cole) was the prize -- and the deadline for the deal is nearly up. So Doctor Parnassus strikes a new deal with Mr. Nick: The first one to collect five souls wins. Meanwhile, after one night's show, the doctor's crew -- including Percy (Vern Troyer) and Anton (Andrew Garfield) -- discovers and rescues a hanged man. The man, Tony (Heath Ledger), can remember nothing, but Doctor Parnassus is convinced that he's been sent for a special reason. And there are many more secrets to be revealed. ...

Is it any good?

Ledger's untimely death partway through production -- and director Terry Gilliam's subsequent, clever method of filling in the resulting blanks by using other actors (Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, and Jude Law) -- will no doubt encompass most of the discussion around THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS. But that aside, it really is an outstanding work of personal vision and dazzling imagery. It's a rare thing: a fantasy film filled with gorgeous computer effects that also has a dark, mature sensibility and doesn't rely completely on said effects.

Gilliam is incapable of telling a story casually, and his personal obsessions often come along as a bonus. The director's very specific way of looking at things -- i.e. his use of space, lighting and cutting -- will thrill more adventurous moviegoers, but may upset audiences looking for something a bit simpler and more streamlined. Though it's a fantasy, Doctor Parnassus isn't really a family movie, and most of the elements here are probably much too dark for young kids.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details

Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Director: Terry Gilliam
Cast: Christopher Plummer, Colin Farrell, Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Jude Law
Genre: Fantasy
Run time: 122 minutes
Theatrical release: December 25, 2009
DVD release: April 26, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: violent images, some sensuality, language and smoking

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This review was written by Jeffrey M. Anderson

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What parents & educators say

Based on 8 parent & educator reviews:

50% say violence is an issue
38% say language is an issue
38% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

jenickki
parent of 13 year old

A film makers journey into the sublime.

Simply put, this movie is deep. Terry Gilliam is not a film maker of childrens' tales.. (refer back to the Brother's Grimm). I believe the movie was created more as eye candy then it was for actual interpretation. I found if you just let your mind wonder and enjoy what was on screen you were okay. Gillam always presents fairy tales from a rather dark point of view (then again the real ones are pretty nasty), and this tale was no exception to the rule. Parnassus gives into a want and is paying for it, for the rest of his life. At first it was the greed to have eternal life, then it was lust (well, not so much lust but, the desire to have a relationship and a family), then having made a deal with the devil his daughter was up for grabs. So, you see; sorta dealing with the seven deadly sins as well as presenting themes that even though we are human we still value family. I believe the theme of temptation runs thru this film constantly. However, ultimately a father's love is what endures. (Don't want to give too many spoilers here) The acting, is first rate. Christopher Plummer, is spot on. The cameo's (due to Ledgers demise) actually added to the plot beautifully. In fact, I think it only goes to show how creative Gilliam really is. Warning, the cameo's of Depp is short; but well placed. My issues with this film for kids. The lifestyles that are portrayed by Parnassus and the others are sometimes shady. However, at the same time it also states that you have to do what you have to do to survive. While, I personally found the fantasy world of his daughter rather amusing; I don't think I would be really that happy if my 16 year old knew someone for just a few days and then decided to have an intimate affair with them. (I think you have to see the movie to interpret how the cliques run wild with this). I think the movie would be truly understood at around age 15 or with some children younger who were fans of film and imagery. Adults, hang on for the ride and just think "Strawberry Fields". Oh, yes; a positive message. Sometimes we do things to survive but ultimately we live for our children and that happiness is what keeps us content.

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The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (PG-13, 2009)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Movie themes & details

Movie Details

Watch our review

Review It

Review The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

A film makers journey into the sublime.

A wonderfully odd flick

Great for imaginative grownups!

Some elements are only for a mature audience

Imaginative aberrancy/lunacy tale could have been better

crud

ok but weird plot. little confusing.

Heath Ledger's final film fails to dissapoint!

Just Fine

awesome

Good for the family with 10 year olds and older.

Horribly Confusing

Confusing, but good!

WORST MOVIE EVER!!!!!!

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