Dear Terry Gilliam,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing you on the occasion of having finished viewing your most recent film, Tideland. It was the kind of film that provokes, and nearly demands, a response. It was simultaneously engaging, disturbing, eccentric, and repulsive. I have a feeling you meant for it to be all of the above and more.
First off, let me just say that I am thrilled that a director of your stature and originality was able to find a home in the world of independent film. No doubt it resulted in a smaller production budget, but hopefully the experience more than made up for that in allowing you the freedom to create a film undisturbed by the meddling hands of committees and focus groups. I hope you continue to make many more films to come outside of the major studio system, and in turn inspire other talent to follow your lead. The world of cinema would be richer for it.
But back to Tideland.
I did not enjoy this movie. In fact, I would imagine that it is a difficult film for most people to enjoy. Appreciate, perhaps. Ponder, definitely. But enjoy? My first indication that it could be a bumpy ride came with your introduction to the film, where you start it off by saying that a lot of viewers will not like the film.
Your films are generally, and thankfully, outside the bland mainstream of derivative images and plots. But as a consequence, a great many people have not liked a great many of your films, and for a great number of reasons. In fact, it's almost a given that a Gilliam film will contain elements of bleak delusions, stark fantasies, nightmarish realities, and at least one character on or past the edge of psychoses. They're generally rewarding, but they can be difficult. So to hear that this film, in light of all the films you've done, called for a personal warning of an introduction... Well, let's just say that I was cautiously intrigued.
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Article comments
1 - Trina McNabe
I think this is a very good, interesting review, and I applaud you, Mr. Perry, for actually saying something about the film rather than just dismissing it out right as so many of your peers have already done.
That said, most of what you felt was lacking in the film are exactly the same issues most critics originally found lacking in both "A Clockwork Orange" and, yes, "Psycho". So while you thoughtfully disliked Gilliam's film, might I suggest you re-watch it in a couple of years? You might the frying pan a lot less blunt the next time.