In 1969, the legendary comedy troupe Monty Python formed. It consisted of John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam. They produced a television show for BBC in the years 1969-1974, which was highly successful and became a cult item over the years.
Terry Gilliam's job was to do the animation and the special effects, though he also acted sometimes. In 1971, the Python lads made their big screen debut with AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, sort of a best-of compilation of their TV series. Gilliam collaborated on all following Python films, the best of which was arguably LIFE OF BRIAN (1979), a demented religious satire.
With BRAZIL (1985), a dark fantasy film, Gilliam turned away from Monty Python, deciding to pursue his career as a serious film director. What followed were highly imaginative and creative movies, nearly all of which are recommendable to cineastes. In 1998, Gilliam was scolded by critics for his no-holds-barred filmization of Hunter S. Thompson's cult novel FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS.