This
just might be the most honest and effective documentary
ever made. Now, I know how crazy that statement
is, and I know that such a statement tosses aside documentaries
like "Hoop Dreams" and "Bowling for
Columbine", but "Lost in La Mancha" just
might live up to the title I have so aptly given it.
Why?
This documentary follows director Terry Gilliam, cast,
and crew as they embark to create "The Man Who
Killed Don Quixote". Gilliam had been wanting
to direct the film for ten years and it was his dream
project. This documentary shows how his dream
crumbled right before his, and our, eyes.
Everything that could have went wrong did go wrong.
During a crucial scene depicting the Spanish Inquisition
death march, jets overheard created sonic booms that
ruined the entire scene. A surprise storm washed
away thousands of dollars worth of important and
expensive film equipment. And, star Jean Rochefort
injured his back so badly, he had to withdraw from the
film and would eventually sue the production company
with the biggest lawsuit in European history. How
is that for bad luck. All of those accidents and
situations led to the film being stopped completely, and
stars Johnny Depp and Jeff Bridges being sent home.
Part of this film is comedy. We cannot help but
find humor in the constant misfortune director Gilliam
encounters, and the eccentricities of people like
Rochefort. Part of this film is drama. We
learn of Gilliam's intense want and desire to complete
this film and we watch that vision destroyed and his
emotions going where they have never gone before.
Part of this film is education. This is a pretty
good blueprint to the inner workings of a film; how it
comes together and how it falls apart.
Rumor has it that Gilliam has either not finished or
abandoned production on over twenty films, which would
probably make him the record holder, I would imagine.
However, this film could serve as somewhat of a good
omen. Maybe people will see his immense genius on
screen and be more inclined to work with him in
completing a production, or working to make sure the
production goes smoothly.
I have no doubt that "The Man Who Killed Don
Quixote" will eventually be made, and I would not
be surprised if Gilliam receives the highest accolades
for his work. Alas, he might just go on to win
Best Documentary at the 2004 Academy Awards for this
amusing, unusual, and highly effective piece of cinema,
one of the greatest documentaries about the industry
ever made. I wish him success with his career and
hope you will support his creative talent by going to
see this film. He was in Monty Python, for God's
sake -- what else do you want from the man?
