quote:<HR>Originally posted by THX 1138:
Hey Jamezuva,
That "Stop Being Dumb" comment now applies to you.<HR>

Oh, I see. Down to name-calling huh. So Mr. Expert movie-man name me some better action sci-fi flicks than Aliens

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The bane of my existence monetary wise

quote:<HR>Originally posted by BigPete:
I believe those three movies are officially known as his 'dreams' trilogy.<HR>

we know why, b/c that is what you will be doing when watching these flicks.....sleeping your ass off. sorry, could not help myself when i saw that post.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Jamezuva:
Oh, I see. Down to name-calling huh. So Mr. Expert movie-man name me some better action sci-fi flicks than Aliens
<HR>

Too many to list.

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"THIS IS WHO WE ARE"

I just received the Brazil box set as part of the recent BFL $20 off $75 deal. This has been at the top of my wish list for some time and I was thrilled to finally add it. As to the age thing, I was 17 when I first saw it in its original release and I was absolutely overwhelmed by it. As far as the 1984 comparison, I think it takes a very similar premise and improves on it. Gilliam takes the same basic story but adds something that Orwell seemed incapable of. Humor. Now it's still ultimately a very depressing story, but the humor and the astounding visual style made it extremely compelling for me. The straight version of 1984(with John Hurt) released around the same time(forgive me, I don't remember the specific dates) impressed me with the acting and the faithfulness to the novel, but, for me, it's not something I really care strongly if I ever see again.
As to where this fits in the Gilliam canon, I've always found it interesting that nearly all of his films(possible spoiler if you haven't seen Brazil) deal with escaping into insanity and why it can be preferable to reality. Look at Munchausen, The Fisher King, Twelve Monkeys, and even Fear and Loathing and you'll find this theme in all of them.
What impresses me most about Brazil, though, is its staying power. Although I loved it and intended to see it again, I didn't get a chance to until the European cut(both theatrical releases are, technically, director's cuts) was shown here in NYC about a year and a half ago. Yet this whole time I've always thought of it as one of my favorite films of all time. I can't think of many other films that I can say that about.

The quote from the original post that astounds me is "Don't buy this DVD unless you're a fan of the film." I use this criteria with everything I buy. Why wouldn't I?

quote:<HR>Originally posted by THX1138:
Too many to list.<HR>

Ha! I never said to list *all* the movies you thought were better than Aliens, but come on, give me a few (3-5) so I can see where you're coming from. Otherwise you seem pretty pretentious


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The bane of my existence monetary wise

quote:<HR>As to where this fits in the Gilliam canon, I've always found it interesting that nearly all of his films(possible spoiler if you haven't seen Brazil) deal with escaping into insanity and why it can be preferable to reality. Look at Munchausen, The Fisher King, Twelve Monkeys, and even Fear and Loathing and you'll find this theme in all of them.
[/B]<HR>

Personally, i would have to say that particularly in the case of "Baron Munchausen" the escape from reality isn't so much into insanity, as it is an escape to fantasy. "Time Bandits" brings this out as well -- "What's the point of being grown up if you can't act childish." (i think i just butchered a quote by Dr. Who, but i think the statement covers some of Gilliams movies pretty well.)
"Baron Munchausen" shows how fantasy can be quite preferable to real life, while "Time Bandits" shows the contrast between reality -- irritating, busy parents and fantasy -- wild adventures, what kids are supposed to do. Life is what you make of it, and childhood is too short.

I agree that Brazil and 12 Monkeys deal with insanity more than fantasy, although in both cases fantasy is also an issue -- Sam Lowry's dreams, and then in 12 Monkeys, James Cole is dealing with the fantasy (for him) that is the 20th century.

I haven't seen "Fear and Loathing..." or "Fisher King" yet so i can't comment on them.

just my 0.02
Tuan Jim


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Shop smart. Shop S-Mart.
--Ash

up

I was already a Python/Gilliam fan when I first saw "Brazil" when it originally came out on video. I was disappointed. I kinda liked it, but expected more. About a year later, I watched it again. I kept thinking "Boy, this is better than I remembered it to be". Each time I watched it, it just kept getting better and better. I`ve probably watched it a dozen times now, and it`s CLEARLY a masterpiece. I firmly believe it will be a film recognized for decades to come as a real achievement in filmmaking. Many of those of think it is "caca" should stick with films like "Wild Wild West" and "Gone in 60 Seconds". They`re probably more your speed.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Jamezuva:
Ha! I never said to list *all* the movies you thought were better than Aliens, but come on, give me a few (3-5) so I can see where you're coming from. Otherwise you seem pretty pretentious


<HR>

I agree.

What kind of reply is "Too many to list?" So name three.

I will name some myself, though:
Blade Runner
The Matrix

Geez, this harder than I thought.

quote:<HR>some better action sci-fi flicks than Aliens<HR>

Well, Aliens was pretty good...

Oh, I know...

12 Monkeys
Star Wars Trilogy
Alien
Abyss

So, there.

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My Stupid DVD List

RoboDad, I had heard that as well, but I don't know if that was intentional on Gilliam's part.

I have Time Bandits:CC and Brazil:CC. Time Bandits was one of the first discs I purchased (and one of the few that I paid full MSRP for). TB was and continues to be one of my favorites, as well as Brazil. If you like Time Bandits and Baron Munchausen, it is very likely that you will enjoy Brazil. Especially if you enjoy the various "levels" of the other two Gilliam films. (But Brazil isn't everyone's cup of tea, I agree with Peep).

Here's hoping that a Criterion version of Baron Munchausen is in the future.