Jabberwocky

-National Film Trustee Company Ltd. (1977)

Summary

The village idiot saves the day.

My Thoughts

Jabberwocky is an odd film. First of all, despite what the case tells you this is not Monty Python and the Knights of the Holy Grail II. It may sort of look like it, and it might even smell a little like it, but this is not it. Instead, Jabberwocky is dark comedy in the style of many other Terry Gilliam films like Time Bandits and Brazil.

This being said, the film is funny in a dark way while serving as a commentary on medieval life, commerce, and bureaucracy. The hero Dennis, played by Michael Palin, is a dolt in the classic sense of the word. He's smitten with a hideously ugly girl named Griselda who's the daughter of a local merchant. The hitch is that the merchant doesn't want his daughter marring a lonely apprentice like poor Dennis. To make things worse, when Dennis's father dies his life is in shambles, because his father leaves the "boy" with nothing.

Determined to make his way in the world and win the heart of Griselda, he goes to the city. The village that they live in is filthy and disgusting and the world outside of Dennis's village is dirty and decaying. In the city the merchants run the show while the king sits on his thrown living in the world inside of his head. Unfortunately for Dennis, there are a number of circumstances that keep him from finding fortune in this messed up environment. His biggest problem is that guilds control the town and he's unable to find a job. After many wacky adventures, however, he finds himself in the company of a knight who must take down the infamous Jabberwocky that's been terrorizing the country.

In a comedy, I'm usually much more forgiving of plot than in most other types of film. In this film though, the plot wanders here and there and I would often wonder when things where going to happen. I kept thinking this, because there isn't enough humor in Jabberwocky to keep me distracted from the happenings of the film. This is a major flaw, because there are many times where I wish the players would just "get on with it" to borrow from Monty Python.

This film is funny and has a few really hilarious moments as when the King tells the Princess that she can have her bridal sweet in the south tower, which soon after crumbles in front of their eyes. But, on the whole it’s so bleak, dark, and disgusting that I feel dirty just watching it. There are numerous peeing and pooping jokes that are completely needless. After the second time the hero was pissed on, I started to lose interest. I also have a very hard time identifying with the main character of Dennis who, while a lovable oaf is a complete moron.

As far as the DVD edition goes its pretty much your standard, run of the mill release. The surround mix is okay, but not great and the picture is dark and bleary to match the film’s content. Nothing special or great, however.

Still, I have somewhat a liking for Jabberwocky since it does have so many shades of Monty Python. In a few ways this film resembles Life of Brian and its the clever moments which save it from being a total loss. There's also a bit of nudity, which is always a pleasing addition to any film. There are a few scenes that are gems that are at least worth a rental or viewing on television, but I can't really recommend buying this disc unless you're a hard core fan.

Extras

The extras are lacking. The director commentary track featuring Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin is mildly amusing and is pretty much a standard type of commentary.

 The best feature shows rudimentary sketches of characters and settings and then how they are seen in the film. I like to see how a rough sketch that came from an idea can become a fully realized vision.

The trailer is rather okay, but it is in full frame and I hate full frame trailers!

Rounding out one of the lamest extras is the international photo gallery that includes about three pictures.

And of course, this is one of those annoying attempts to satisfy the ignorant public by making the disc two sided, with one side being full frame and the other widescreen.

Score:

Film: 6.5

Extras: 5.0

Edition: 6.0

-Paul