Review: The Man Who Killed Don Quixote

The story of the making and battle to release this film is worthy of being a film in itself.
This has been in production for quite some time now, and it finally got its debut at the Cannes Festival back in May.

I'm always intrigued by a new Terry Gilliam film. His style may not always work with me. But he's never afraid to go against the conventional way of story-telling and yet still get a wide release that finds an audience.

I love his work with Monty Python, love Twelve Monkeys, really like Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas, admire Brazil, The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus and even enjoy The Brothers Grimm.

I think the long wait was worth it as this is a great piece of work. His style is clear to see early on and the way develops gets gradually more surreal. By the time the final act arrives, its gets totally bonkers and really tests if you're willing to take the extra step and commit to the story.

What I think worked the most is that no matter how stranger it gets, it still manages to entertain. Adam Driver and Jonathan Pryce fitted the tone perfectly and their relationship blossomed really well in the end. I also think Stellen Skarsgaard, Joana Ribeiro, Jason Watkins, Jordi Molla and the always gorgeous Olga Kurylenko.

If you're a fan of Terry Gilliam's works, then you'll really enjoy this. If you're aware of his style, then this could definitely work for you. Sadly, I think most general audiences will find this quite surreal viewing, like most of Gilliam's films.

I think seeing enough of Gilliam's back catalogue helped me enjoy this a lot. I think Adam Driver did a great job and his chemistry with Jonathan Pryce was great to see develop. The wonderful production design that you always get in a Gilliam film is still as impressive as ever.

When it works you just embrace the bonkers nature of it all. When it doesn't, it can confuse you but also intrigue you if the whole structure that you believed it to be has totally changed with a sudden revelation.
But I felt it worked on the whole. It leaves a lot to the imagination and easily warrants multiple viewings. Not just to answer more questions, but to further appreciate the level of detail in its production.

I was fortunate to see this. But I really hope this eventually gets a wide release after the long journey its had.

Rating: 8/10