14 DAY TRIAL // Many fans and critics were shocked when young and talented actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his apartment from what was later established as an “accidental overdose.” The same fans and critics also knew that, at the time of his passing, Ledger was working on Terry Gilliam’s “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” – the movie has now been completed and is being shown around Hollywood for buyers, the Hollywood Insider reports.
Screenings of the film have already taken place and, understandably, most major distributors in the US rushed to get the best seat in the house. After all, several movie-oriented publications point out, this is Heath’s final movie and an entire world knows the kind of trouble Gilliam went through to have it completed, asking three other actors to come in and fill in for the late star, namely Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell. Despite all adversities, the movie is getting good hype in the industry – but that’s not to say that it will be widely accessible, Hollywood Insider believes.
“The film is scheduled to have its world premiere at Cannes later this month. All of the major independent buyers in town packed Hollywood’s DGA theater for the screening, and while most left feeling a bit befuddled (as one often does coming out of a Gilliam feature) the consensus was that the movie is better than expected.” the publication says. Moreover, sources in the audience, while thrilled by the fact that Heath Ledger plays the same character throughout the entire film, vouch that the storyline itself could be a tad too taxing on regular audiences, which might mean “Parnassus” will only see a limited release, if the reports are accurate.
“The two-hour film apparently features amazing visuals, but the storyline is rather complex, centering on Christopher Plummer as Dr. Parnassus, a man who runs a traveling sideshow with his daughter, a young barker, and a sidekick, played by Verne Troyer. Tom Waits plays the Devil, with whom Parnassus makes a Faustian bargain, and Ledger’s character [Tony] joins the troupe after they find him hanging from his neck under a London bridge.” the e-zine further explains.
Complex as it may be, the film still stands great chances of making big bucks at the box-office, other publications are saying, solely for the reason that it’s Ledger’s last film. However, until a distributor is found, the movie is also gearing up for the premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Do keep an eye on this space for more on this.