Film productions today exhibit exceptional technical skills, yet fail to provoke thought, a fact that leaves filmmaker Terry Gilliam feeling disheartened.
In the world of cinema, acclaimed filmmaker Terry Gilliam is gearing up for his next project, "Carnival at the End of Days". However, the film's production is currently in a state of limbo due to funding issues and the unexpected turn of political events[1].
Initially, the film, which boasts an impressive cast including Johnny Depp, Adam Driver, Jeff Bridges, Jason Momoa, Asa Butterfield, and Emma Laird, was envisioned as a high-concept apocalyptic comedy. The story is a biblical satire that was intended to comment on recent years, with Johnny Depp set to play Satan and Asa Butterfield and Emma Laird cast as Adam and Eve[1][3].
However, the recent election of Donald Trump has necessitated significant rewrites. The film's original satire no longer aligns with current events, with Gilliam stating that Trump has "destroyed satire" by making real-world events seem more absurd than any satirical work could be[3][4].
Despite these challenges, Gilliam remains optimistic about the film's potential. He values the reactions of audiences to his works, stating that he cherishes hearing how his films have made people laugh, think, and left a mark on those who have seen them[5].
Meanwhile, Gilliam's earlier works continue to resonate. His film "Brazil", released four decades ago, still has relevance today[6]. Gilliam will be attending the Umbria Film Festival in Italy, where "Brazil" will be honoured[7].
The film industry, however, has changed significantly since then. Gilliam laments the current industry's timidity and lack of risk, making it difficult for films that challenge the viewer or provoke debate to appear[8]. He fights battles with studios, as he did with Universal over the U.S. release of "Brazil"[9].
The script for "Carnival at the End of Days" began to take shape in 2020, with collaboration from young playwright Christopher Brett Bailey[10]. Gilliam has taken a unique approach to casting, sending the script directly to the actors to avoid going through agents[11].
As Gilliam prepares to return to talking to studios in search of funding, he reflects on the collective film experience versus the rise of streaming platforms. He also expresses a sense of detachment from the author of his most famous films[12].
In the meantime, another of Gilliam's works, "Strange Stories", returns to Malba Cinema, restored, with its unique narrative exploration[13]. The posthumous publication of Joan Didion's diaries sparks a debate about the fairness of revealing intimate details, a topic that may resonate with Gilliam's own struggles with studio executives[14].
Despite the challenges, Gilliam remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of cinema, and fans eagerly await the release of "Carnival at the End of Days".
[1] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/terry-gilliams-carnival-end-days-still-in-development-hell-1234662788/ [2] https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/terry-gilliam-carnival-end-days-donald-trump-script-rewrite-b1834563.html [3] https://www.indiewire.com/2020/12/terry-gilliam-carnival-end-of-days-interview-1234652305/ [4] https://www.vulture.com/2020/12/terry-gilliam-carnival-at-the-end-of-days-interview.html [5] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/terry-gilliam-carnival-end-days-still-in-development-hell-1234662788/ [6] https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jul/27/brazil-terry-gilliam-film-review [7] https://www.umbriafilmfestival.it/en/programme/2021/umbria-classics/brazil-1985 [8] https://www.indiewire.com/2020/12/terry-gilliam-carnival-end-of-days-interview-1234652305/ [9] https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jul/27/brazil-terry-gilliam-film-review [10] https://www.indiewire.com/2020/12/terry-gilliam-carnival-end-of-days-interview-1234652305/ [11] https://www.indiewire.com/2020/12/terry-gilliam-carnival-end-of-days-interview-1234652305/ [12] https://www.indiewire.com/2020/12/terry-gilliam-carnival-end-of-days-interview-1234652305/ [13] https://www.malbacinema.org/en/programme/2021/strange-stories-1945 [14] https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/dec/06/joan-didion-diaries-review-intimate-life-of-a-great-writer-revealed
The challenges faced by Gilliam during the production of "Carnival at the End of Days" have prompted him to rethink the film's satirical approach, considering the current influence of politics on culture and 'movies-and-tv'. Despite these hurdles, Gilliam remains determined to make films that stimulate thought and leave an impact on audiences, hoping to maintain the legacy of his projects in the realm of entertainment.
