A film that the late great Heath Ledger felt very passionate about and a film that three actors stepped up to help complete in order to honor the memory of Heath Ledger that is what many people will associate with The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. However, this isn’t only Mr. Ledger’s last film, but a prime example of the genius that is Terry Gilliam.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus follows Doctor Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) as he and his traveling theater troupe, which includes Anton (Andrew Garfield), a dwarf, Percy (Verne Troyer), and Parnassus’ daughter Valentina (Lily Cole), as they try to show people the enlightenment within life. However, it seems that a someone, Mr. Nick (Tom Waits), is also in the imaginarium and will allow people to get that quick gratification they desire.

As the story progresses we learn more about Doctor Parnassus’s relationship with Mr. Nick and something from their past history that causes Parnassus to accept a little bet for the race to five souls.

With the race on and Doctor Parnassus looking for a sign to help him win, the troupe rescues a man hanging under a bridge named Tony (Heath Ledger). Tony has no memory of who he is, but agrees to help Parnassus out in exchange for help to regain his memory. From there, we are introduced into a world filled with jealousy, love, Tony’s past, and what truly happens in our imaginations.

With that aside, I truly believe Terry Gilliam is a genius. The way he goes about telling a story is absolutely amazing and leaves you asking very little questions. Not only is his way of telling a story amazing, but this movie is an inside view of Mr. Gilliam’s imagination its self. After seeing this movie, I really wish he had the chance to direct the Harry Potter series because he would have done a fantastic job at brings that world to life.

Of course, this film wouldn’t have been what it was without the cast of this film. Every now and then, you will come across a film that features the perfect cast and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is one of them. Each actor played their role to perfection and can not imagine anyone else in this movie. That goes with even Johnny Deep, Jude Law, and Colin Farell taking over for Heath Ledger after his untimely death. Those three actors payed homage to Ledger the greatest way ever by continuing his character and keeping his personality and spirit within the role. Let alone the fact that the way that Terry Gilliam worked them into the role was perfect.

Overall, I enjoyed The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus thoroughly. As much as it will be remembered as Heath Ledgers last movie, it should also be remembered as one of Terry Gilliam’s finest works. Everything about it was top notch and you will leave the theater entertained and loving every minute of it.

4 out of 5 stars.