The Next Reel Film Podcast

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen • The Next Reel

2014-07-24

After the battle that Terry Gilliam had to endure to release 'Brazil,' it's a shame that his next movie ended up being another debacle. From producer problems to studio exec switcheroos to plain old bad luck, 'The Adventures of Baron Munchausen' was a tough film to get made. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Terry Gilliam series with this beautiful but troubled film. We talk about what works in the film and what doesn't work in the film, and what likely were the real problems that didn't help the movie ever find its audience at the time. We chat about the brilliant actors all through the film — including young roles for Uma Thurman and Sarah Polley, as well as a deliciously funny Oliver Reed — and what they brought to the table. We discuss the problems this film had in getting made and yet really only scratch the surface. We talk about how the film did financially and contemplate how it ended up being the lowest grossing film on our list of films we've discussed. And we look at how the film works for us while looking also at how it works for children and wonder if perhaps this film will always be better when first seen through the eyes of a child. It's a fun film that's stunning to look at but full of story problems all the way through, but that doesn't stop us from having a great time talking about it. Tune in! Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!!