Time Bandits
Terry Gilliam is such a great director that it is easy to dismiss “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” Aside from “The Fisher King,” Gilliam’s best films have been those set in another time or place. Gilliam, who started off as a cartoonist before joining Monty Python’s Flying Circus, has a unique visual sense that turns his films into celebrations of the art form.
Even the films closest to reality draw on this unique perspective. “The Fisher King” was set in modern day New York, but that didn’t stop Gilliam from incorporating elements of the King Arthur legend into the proceedings. The “Lounge Lizards” sequence in “Fear & Loathing” was the best thing in that film. Gilliam’s fascination with history is out to good use in “Time Bandits,” a fanciful effort that didn’t rock the world upon its release in 1981 but has gone on to achieve cult status.
I liked “Time Bandits” when I first saw it in theaters 18 years ago. I was a huge fan of the Python troupe, and spent many a Friday night at a local theater feasting on the midnight show of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Okay, okay, I was one of those people who could recite every line, and did so at a moment’s notice. “Time Bandits,” which was written by Gilliam and Michael Palin, contained all of the trademark Gilliam touches: time travel, dry British humor, colorful characters, and outrageous fantasy.
Young Craig Warnock stars as Kevin, a boy virtually ignored by his parents (who have been hypnotized by television and commercialism). One quiet night in his room, Kevin’s bureau begins to violently shake. Peeking out from the safety of his covers, Kevin watches in disbelief as a man on a horse leaps from the doors, and rides off. Was he dreaming it? Or did something really happen? Intent on proving that he’s not imagining it, Kevin waits up the next night with a flashlight and a Polaroid camera.
Instead of a horse, Kevin is greeted by six little men. He quickly learns that his room is actually a portal through time, and before he can say H.G. Wells, young Kevin joins the six “Time Bandits” as they flee from a foreboding presence chasing them. Bouncing from one time period to another, Kevin and his friends seek the treasures of the world, and along the way meet some history’s most noted personalities. Ian Holm appears as Napoleon, enjoying a little R&R during battles, while Sean Connery drops by as King Agamemnon.
There are also encounters with Robin Hood (John Cleese), an evil genius (David Warner), a giant and his loyal wife, and a brief stop on the Titanic. Shot on a small budget, Gilliam manages to do a lot with so little. He doesn’t go for the big picture, but manages to create entire worlds with a reference here, a prop there. It’s a nifty trick that suggests more. The cast couldn’t be better, especially Warnock who delivers a performance filled with wonder and assurance.
Kevin is never whiny nor precocious, and it’s such a relief to watch a child performer of this caliber. The “Time Bandits” are represented by a notable cast of players, including David Rappaport and Kenny Baker. The supporting players are delightful, and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. You will too as Gilliam spins yet another fairy tale that manages to mix modern ideology and myth with entertaining results.
COMPLETE CHECK-UP
VISION: [ ] 20/20 [ X ] Good [ ] Cataracts [ ] Blind
Even though a lot of effort was made to insure the best possible digital transfer, it’s still not up to the standards we have come to expect from a Criterion Collection title. Delivered in the film’s original 1.85:1 widescreen ratio (on an RSDL disc for uninterrupted viewing), the digital transfer was created using the 35mm inter-positive. Unfortunately, the original is so dotted with scratches and glitches that all that hard work is for naught. There is also a smattering of noticeable compression artifacts, but they are not the real problem. “Time Bandits” is filled with numerous fantasy sequences that look flat here. The colors are nice (good saturation), and the flesh tones are natural, but for some reason depth of field is lacking, and attention to detail is far from flattering. I was expecting more, so I was naturally disappointed.
HEARING: [ X ] Excellent [ ] Minor Hearing Loss [ ] Needs Hearing Aid [ ] Deaf
I wish the video was as robust as the stereo soundtrack, which sounds sensational. The sound was created using the original stereo magnetic tracks, and they deliver a full-bodied sound that fills the room with vibrant highs and lows, excellent dialogue mix, and a musical score that sounds natural and live. The stereo separation is incredibly vivid, while the ambient noise is so pure you feel like you’re part of the film. No noticeable hiss or distortion.
ORAL: [ ] Excellent [ X ] Good [ ] Poor
Closed captions in English for the hard of hearing.
COORDINATION: [ ] Excellent [ X ] Good [ ] Clumsy [ ] Weak
After “Robocop” and “Silence of the Lambs,” the extras available on this Criterion Collection are actually a let down. There’s an alternate audio commentary featuring director Terry Gilliam, co-writer/actor Michael Palin, and actors John Cleese, David Warner and Craig Warnock. While it’s nice to hear these chaps reminisce about making the film, the audio track lacks the camaraderie that would have existed had they actually been in the same room together while their dialogue was recorded. Still, the commentary track is worth a listen. There’s also a “Time Bandits” scrapbook featuring stills from the film and behind- the-scenes set to the film’s majestic score. While I liked this feature, I kept wondering where the behind- the-scenes documentary was. Also look for the original theatrical trailer, and some absolutely dazzling main and scene access menus.
PROGNOSIS: [ ] Excellent [ X ] Fit [ ] Will Live [ ] Resuscitate [ ] Terminal
For the price, “Time Bandits” isn’t a steal.
VITALS: $39.99/Rated PG/116 Minutes/Color/23 Chapter Stops/Keepcase/#37
ATTENDING RESIDENT: John Larsen
PATIENT: TIME BANDITS-CRITERION COLLECTION
BIRTH DATE: 1981
HMO: Criterion Collection
