The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)

Director: Terry Gilliam

Starring: John Neville, Eric Idle, Sarah Polley

An account of Baron Munchausen’s supposed travels and fantastical experiences across late 18th-century Europe with his band of misfits.

I’ve always been very curious about this film because I’ve heard so much about it (mainly because it is one of the biggest box office flops!). Having seen it now, I completely understand why it flopped. I can only assume the ONLY reason it was green lit, was because it was made by the team behind the hugely successful Monty Phython films and TV series.

Terry Gilliam was over-optimistic and over-ambitious with this project, and he paid dearly for it. The Baron in question is an adventurer, and his story is told when he gate crashes a stage play depicting his life. From the opening I knew this wasn’t going to be my cup of tea, and it certainly wasn’t.

It truly is amazing what they’ve accomplished with the visual effects, make-up and production design, but the film is ultimately beyond stupid, making it a very difficult watch. I also didn’t really follow the story all too well. What was it actually about? It felt like I was watching a promo reel for a visual effects company. The story was so confusing that it was carried only by its interesting visuals. Even these good visuals became increasingly difficult to watch, though, because the movie made so little sense. Even Robin Williams, whom I generally enjoy in a film, was incredibly annoying as King of the Moon.

Despite being very imaginative and well made, this was way too stupid for me. I’m not even sure kids will enjoy this, because they definitely won’t understand what its all about. Maybe they’ll have a good time with the cartoonish antics of the mostly stupid characters… If you’re a Monty Python fan, then maybe you’ll enjoy this, but I’m not and I didn’t enjoy it.

How on earth did they even believe this film could possibly retrieve its high budget? Obviously, Terry Gilliam relied way too much on his Monty Python success.

‘The Adventures of Baron Munchausen’ only managed to make back $8 million of its $46.65 million budget. Yikes! The film received Oscar nominations for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Visual Effects and Best Makeup.

Would I watch it again? Nope!