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.
Filmography:
Cry of the Banshee (1970; title designer)
And Now For Something Completely Different (1971; codir, coscr, act, anim)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975; codir, coscr, act, anim)
Monty Python Meets Beyond the Fringe (1977; act)
Jabberwocky (1977; dir, coscr, act)
The Rutles (1978; mockumentary conceived and written by Eric Idle)
Life of Brian (1979; coscr, act, anim, prod des)
Time Bandits (1981; dir, coscr, coprod)
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982; coscr, act, anim)
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983; codir, coscr, act, anim)
Yellowbeard (1983; uncred coscr?)
Secret Policeman's Private Parts (1984; act)
Spies Like Us (1985; act)
Brazil (1985; dir, coscr, act)
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988; dir, coscr, act)
The Fisher King (1991; dir)
Twelve Monkeys (1995; dir; based on the short film LA JETEE)
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998; dir, coscr)
Lost in La Mancha (2002; doc about an unfinished Gilliam project)
The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes (2005; exec prod)
The Brothers Grimm (2005; dir, uncred coscr)
Tideland (2005; dir)
© Ron Altman (last update 04/15/2006)