Time Bandits (1981)

What I’m Watching

Time Bandits (1981. Directed By Terry Gilliam. Starring Craig Warnock, John Cleese, Sean Connery, Michael Palin, Ian Holm, Shelly Duvall)

Written by Pythons Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin comes a fantasy adventure like no other. Part fairytale, part satire, part history lesson, Time Bandits is a whimsical adventure about a young, emotionally neglected boy who finds himself in the company of 6 wacky, thieving dwarves. This isn’t just any odyssey of plunder though. This gang of bandits has a special map that allows them to find time holes in the universe to transport them to random periods in time. Along the way of their greedy search for treasures, they drop in on a number of historical events and meet a great many erratic people through history. With Evil (yes, Evil) conspiring to get the map, along with the Supreme Being on their tale, this unlikely band of boys have exploits of a lifetime (literally)!

Within 5 minutes, this story jumps into high gear and moves along at a great pace. Between the different scenes / periods of time we travel to, there are dynamic links and transitions. Unlike other Gilliam films (ahem, Brazil) this movie is very easy to follow, concise, and uncomplicated. Now, while I love a good mind-bender, especially from Gilliam, this is the perfect movie for all ages to just sit back with a bowl of popcorn and enjoy the journey you’re presented with.

As always, special effects and makeup are always ace in Gilliam’s films. This movie combines a marvelous mixture of animatronics and computer effects (keep an eye on Evil’s crazy powers and the end battle!). Another admirable visual is the giant in the ocean. Through the proficient use of models, computer generated effects, and great camera angles, the “giant” is astronomical.

The special effects makeup is awesome (I’m sure it helps that Gilliam and the makeup artist are hitched!) The whole semblance of Evil is menacing and demanding! Another notable special effects makeup feat is the elderly Ogre, who just looks misshapen, monstrous, and boss!

The scenery is diverse and very keyed in to each time period that the film recognizes. My favourite scenery is Evil’s high-tech, Lego-like “Fortress of Ultimate Darkness”. Ancient Greece is another astounding landscape, and the city itself looks realistic and inviting.

Notable performances are numerous and superb. Ian Holm plays the man-child, immature and inept Napoleon Bonaparte. The painfully hilarious John Cleese plays Robin Hood, the sweetest, soft spoken and completely optimistic robber to ever hit the big screen. The great Sean Connery plays the fatherly, honourable, and brave King Agamemnon. David Warner plays the heinous and hysterical Evil. Young Craig Warnock is Kevin, the picture of innocence and naivety. The 6 dwarves are kooky, crazy, and eccentric. My favourite characters are Vincent and Pansy. Vincent and Pansy are a couple who appear in all different time periods (the Middle Ages, aboard the Titanic). The special aspect of this couple is that they are ALWAYS on the verge of a very intimate moment when BAM; 6 dwarves and a kid pop out of a time hole and land on top of them. Talk about a buzz kill! Nothing else ruins a moment such as a parade of dwarves raining down on you. Vincent (played by my ultimate love, Michael Palin) and Pansy (Shelly Duvall) are the ultimate riot in an already amusing film. They deliver perfect over-the-top slapstick performances. They play off of each other’s idiocy and extreme dramatics. They are so entertaining together and for me, they delivered the most laughs (but perhaps I am biased in the matter!)

This is a convivial experience from beginning to end. For kids, teens, and adults alike, this movie is perfect for those who love fantasy, thrill, adventure, British humor, and super sarcastic humor. Written by two Pythons and co-starring two, this movie is quite un-python like in a really great way. The banter is witty and sarcastic. The story is formulaic and a really imaginative narrative. So often I find myself sitting down to watch a film with pen and paper in hand, all distractions turned away, and my concentration cap put on. This film is perfect to just sit back without having to think too hard about what you’re watching. I had a thoroughly enjoyable time watching this film and I highly recommend it to ALL!