The Adventures of Baron Munchausen Movie Review

Terry Gilliam, director of Time Bandits, The Fisher King, and Brazil (not to mention the timeshifting 12 Monkeys), has often tried to blur the line between dreams and reality. With his version of the Munchausen tales, he not only succeeds, he actually takes us right into the adventure. Overstatement and out-and-out lies were the rule for the real life 18th-century raconteur upon whom this ambitious but under-appreciated marvel is based. John Neville's performance as the Baron, Oliver Reed as the god Vulcan, Uma Thurman as Venus, Robin Williams as the King of the Moon, Sarah Polley as Sally Salt, are all splendid (although all of them at times are overwhelmed by the lush sets, inspired cinematography, and stunning special effects). On the moon, the royally detachable head gives Gilliam the chance to do one of his Pythonesque animations live. Gilliam proves that he knows how to utilize a big budget. Two letterboxed laser versions are available; the Criterion Collection features audio commentary and a large supplemental section, including deleted scenes.

1989 (PG) 126m/C John Neville, Eric Idle, Sarah Polley, Valentina Cortese, Oliver Reed, Uma Thurman, Sting, Jonathan Pryce, Bill Paterson, Peter Jeffrey, Alison Steadman, Charles McKeown, Dennis Winston, Jack Purvis; Cameos: Robin Williams; D: Terry Gilliam; W: Terry Gilliam; C: Giuseppe Rotunno; M: Michael Kamen. Nominations: Academy Awards ‘89: Best Costume Design, Best Makeup. VHS, Beta, LV, 8mm COL, CRC