A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman
By Jeffrey M. Anderson,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Comedian's animated life story is filled with sex, alcohol.
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A Liar's Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman
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What's the Story?
Graham Chapman's "autobiography," A Liar's Autobiography: Volume VI, is filled with outrageous lies, but it also contains some nuggets of truth, such as his alcoholism and his struggle with homosexuality. Chapman, who died in 1989, made an audio recording of the book, and several animators -- accompanied by voicework by four of the remaining five Monty Python members -- have visualized it here in surreal, mostly plotless sequences. Chapman tells of his years in school, adapting to fame, coming out of the closet, and other milestones.
Is It Any Good?
It's important to understand just what A LIAR'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY is before going in, or it can easily confuse. Even though he died in 1989, the actual Chapman narrates, thanks to an audio recording made before his death. Four of Chapman's former Monty Python colleagues -- John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, and Terry Jones -- provide voices (Eric Idle was not involved).
The movie's animation style changes radically for every sequence. Some, such as a sequence aboard a military aircraft, fall flat. Others deliberately evoke the surreal, sometimes off-putting style of Yellow Submarine. Strangely, Chapman doesn't really talk much about his actual achievements with Monty Python -- only the side effects. And for a movie about a famed comedian, A Liar's Autobiography really isn't very funny. It's when Chapman gets close to the truth of his life story that the movie really comes alive; his pain and suffering become apparent, and he becomes sympathetic, rather than snarky.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about A Liar's Autobiography's heavy sexual content. How is sex portrayed? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Why do you think the character drinks so much? What are the consequences of his drinking?
Does the movie make fame look enticing, or does it show a bad side as well?
Though Chapman claims to be lying throughout his "autobiography," which parts appear to be true? What makes them different?
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 2, 2012
- On DVD or streaming: February 12, 2013
- Cast: Graham Chapman , John Cleese , Michael Palin
- Directors: Ben Timlett , Bill Jones , Jeff Simpson
- Studios: Brainstorm Media , Epix
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 85 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: strong and crude sexual content including graphic animated sequences, language and some violent images
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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