Heath Ledger's final film opens in London; receives mixed reviews

Late actor and posthumous Academy Award-winner Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose while filming 'The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus,' a dark sci-fi fantasy directed by Monty Python alum Terry Gilliam. The film was in limbo after Ledger's death; Gilliam wasn't even sure if he wanted to continue the shoot with Ledger gone. But Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell stepped into the project out of respect for their friend, and the film was completed. At long last, 'The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus' is now out in limited release, with a premiere party held in London last night.

TRAGIC actor HEATH LEDGER's last film performance premiered in London tonight.

Ledger died one-third of the way through filming fantasy epic The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus from an accidental overdose.

The movie was saved after JUDE LAW, JOHNNY DEPP and COLIN FARRELL stepped in to play various incarnations of his character.

However, the replacement Hollywood actors were noticably absent from the red carpet allowing the film's other stars including LILY COLE, VERNE TROYER, and TOM WAITS to enjoy the limelight.

Celeb guests PALOMA FAITH, LA TOYA JACKSON and JOANNA PAGE enjoyed the VIP viewing of the film in Leicester Square.

[From The Sun]

So far, the reviews are mixed, with some praising the movie's 'weird, pulled-from-a-dream art design,' while others found it to be 'a huge disappointment for any fan of Terry Gilliam's work. One reviewer pointed out that for better or worse, the final screen performance by Ledger shouldn't go unnoticed.

The latest film from Terry Gilliam came close to being shut down outright after Ledger's untimely death from an accidental overdose. But with some clever script changes, and with the help of Ledger's peers, production on the film proceeded.

Eighteen months later, we're finally able to see the final performance from the brilliant young Ledger.

As with The Dark Knight, in which Ledger created a chilling Joker, his performance in Imaginarium original and convincing. He seems at ease in the role of Tony, a charming and charmed charlatan on the run.

[From CinemaSpy.com]

You can see the trailer below. I thought it looked intriguing, but I'm also a big fan of most of Gilliam's previous films, especially 'Brazil,' '12 Monkeys' and 'The Fisher King.' His wild visuals and non-linear plots aren't for everyone - and that's probably what drew Heath Ledger to the film in the first place. It will be interesting to see if the public checks the movie out based on his draw alone.



Photos are stills thanks to AllMoviePhoto, and of Lilly Cole, Verne Troyer and Terry Gilliam at the UK premiere on 10/6/09. Credit: WENN.com