This movie has the much hyped stigma of being the late Heath Ledger’s final film, so one would certainly fear that the film could never deliver to the audience’s expectations. Except that it has and it does. Personally, I have not been this impressed with a fantasy film in quite a long time, and truly agree when critics say it is a fitting tribute to Mr Ledger.

The plot revolves around a travelling street threatre that promises one lucky audience member the “experience of a lifetime”, should they step toward the stage and into the Mystical Mirror. One can surmise that the troupe has been largely ignored of late, judging by the lack of attention the people of London take as they open up in a rather seedy looking alley. Until of course, the drunkards show up. The group harass poor young Anton (actor Andrew Garfield) and the lovely Valentina (actress Lily Cole), before one chases Valentina into the mirror. Once he slips inside, it is revealed how the Imaginarium works – it is the individuals mind, guided and enhanced by Doctor Parnassus. The world inside is largely controlled by the imagination of the person, they’re greatest loves are amplified, right alongside the darkness in their hearts.

This particular poor drunken Londoner, when faced between climbing the ‘Staircase Of Epic Proportions to Enlightenment’ and a Pub, of course, chooses to drink. Dr Parnassus’s (Christopher Plummer) reaction – that he “lost another one” – feels rather morose at first, but is better explained later in the movie. It is his Eternal Life’s wager to find enough interested souls to listen to his stories … but if not, the Devil would succeed. The Devil – who also goes by the name of “Mr. Nick” –is played here by Tom Waits, who does a magnificent job of exuding creepiness, while at the same time holding a sense of dignity and righteousness. How that is meant to work is beyond me, but it does.

And of course, while travelling to a new area in the hope of interesting new people in their show, Dr Parnassus’s crew stumble upon Tony, our honoured late Heath, who is hanging from a bridge, left for dead. The youngsters rescue him and find that he is not dead, though his memories seem to be lost. In thanks for rescuing him, Tony decides to help this struggling foursome. It is soon evident that Tony, has a way with women and manages to sway quite a number of them throughout the film to take interest in the show. Before long though, the power of Dr Parnassus’s Imaginarium draws him in and he enters, amazed by what he finds.

The trick is that once you enter, your appearance reflects your “inner self”, it seems, which was added by the writers and directors mid-production, to explain one of their leads sudden absence. However, this does not detract from the story at all – rather enhances it, as later it is revealed that Tony is not quite all he seems. His deceptiveness accentuated in the Imaginarium by him having “two faces”. Wikipedia describes it as Heath being the “real-world” face, whereas the other actors portray him travelling through the magical realms. The rest of the film follows Tony’s character and his interaction with the rest of the cast, adding in some rather appropriate snides at a certain London newspaper and dazzling us with spectacular special effects.

Not only is Heath’s acting in this movie superb, the rest of the cast cannot be overlooked either. Colin Farrell is simply fantastic; Johnny Depp is manic as ever; Lily Cole and Andrew Garfield are also equally as wonderful. The only cast member I was not quite sold on was the dwarf Verne Troyer, who seemed to only cast for comic relief.

Overall, I think this is a fabulous film and would definitely give it a Cool +, with the added notion that if you enjoyed any of Heath Ledger’s previous works, this is a must see. Even if it is just to appreciate how “top of his game” Heath really was when he was sadly taken from us.


CLICK HERE to discuss this article. Must be logged in to post.