“Jabberwocky” (1977) – Terry Gilliam’s Dark and Hilarious Medieval Comedy

“Jabberwocky” (1977) is a British medieval fantasy comedy film directed by Terry Gilliam, loosely based on the Lewis Carroll poem of the same name.

“Jabberwocky” (1977) is a comedic fantasy film directed by Terry Gilliam, who is best known for his work with Monty Python. The film follows the journey of Dennis Cooper (played by Michael Palin), a hapless cooper’s apprentice who finds himself in the midst of a kingdom besieged by a fearsome monster known as the Jabberwock. The film is a satirical take on the medieval fantasy genre, and Gilliam’s unique vision and humor is on full display.

The film is anchored by Palin’s portrayal of Dennis Cooper. Palin is a master of physical comedy, and his performance in “Jabberwocky” is no exception. The character of Cooper is a hapless and bumbling fool who stumbles from one ridiculous situation to the next. Despite his many misadventures, Cooper remains a likable character, and the audience can’t help but root for him as he attempts to defeat the Jabberwock and win the heart of the fair maiden Griselda (played by Annette Badland).

Gilliam’s signature style is evident throughout “Jabberwocky”. The film is full of dark and absurd humor, and it’s clear that Gilliam was not interested in creating a typical medieval fantasy film. The kingdom in which the film is set is a grim and bleak place, full of mud and filth, and the Jabberwock itself is a grotesque and terrifying creation. However, despite the darkness, there is a whimsical quality to the film that is unmistakably Gilliam’s.

The supporting cast of “Jabberwocky” is also excellent. Harry H. Corbett plays Cooper’s father, a bumbling and incompetent cooper who is more interested in his beer than in his son’s well-being. Max Wall is hilarious as the King’s chamberlain, who is more concerned with his own well-being than that of the kingdom. And John Le Mesurier is perfectly cast as the King, a weak and ineffectual ruler who is completely out of his depth in the face of the Jabberwock’s threat.

Overall, “Jabberwocky” is a unique and entertaining film that is sure to please fans of Terry Gilliam’s work. The film’s absurdist humor and satirical take on the fantasy genre make it a must-see for anyone looking for something a little different. Michael Palin’s excellent performance and the film’s impressive visual effects make it a standout in Gilliam’s oeuvre.

Cast

The cast of Jabberwocky (1977) includes:

• Michael Palin as Dennis Cooper
• Harry H. Corbett as The Squire
• John Le Mesurier as Passelewe
• Warren Mitchell as Mr. Fishfinger
• Max Wall as King Bruno the Questionable
• Rodney Bewes as The Young Villager
• Bernard Bresslaw as The Landlord
• Anthony Carrick as The Duke of Frisian Wait
• Peter Cellier as The Chamberlain
• Deborah Fallender as Griselda Fishfinger
• Annette Badland as The Ugly Duchess
• John Bird as The Herald
• Neil Innes as The Dennis Cooper Song
• Terry Jones as The Jabberwock
• Terry Gilliam as The Monster