Monty Python's the Meaning of Life
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Features
• AC-3
• Color
• Dolby
• DTS Surround Sound
• Dubbed
• DVD-Video
• Subtitled
• Widescreen
• NTSC
In Theaters : 31 March, 1983
DVD Release : 23 August, 2005 |
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Monty Python's the Meaning of Life description
Perhaps only the collective brilliant minds of the Monty Python film and television troupe are up to the task of tackling a subject as weighty as the Meaning of Life. Sure, Kierkegaard, Wittgenstein, and their ilk have tried their hands at this puzzler, but only Python has attempted to do so within the commercial motion picture medium. Happily for us all, Monty Python's the Meaning of Life truly explains everything one conceivably needs to know about the perplexities of human existence, from the mysteries of Catholic doctrine to the miracle of reproduction to why one should avoid the salmon mousse to the critical importance of the machine that goes ping! Using fish as a linking device (and what marvelous links those aquatic creatures make), The Meaning of Life is presented as a series of sketches: a musical production number about why seed is sacred; a look at dining in the afterlife; the quest for a missing fish (there they are again); a visit from Mr. Death; the cautionary tale of Mr. Creosote and his rather gluttonous appetite; an unflinching examination of the harsh realities of organ donation, and so on. Sadly, this was the last original Python film, but it's a beaut. You'll laugh. You'll cry (probably because you're laughing so hard). You may even learn something about the Meaning of Life. Or at least about how fish fit into the grand scheme of things. --Jim Emerson |
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Monty Python's the Meaning of Life Customer Reviews
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Life is but a dream.
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First off, I would like to preface my review by stating that I have not seen the DVD version of this film -- only the VHS -- so I have no idea about its quality and features. Secondly, I am not a dyed-in-the-wool Python fan. I have never seen either the "Life of Brian" or the "Holy Grail," and am only somewhat familiar with their television offerings. In a way, this makes it easier for me to appreciate the merits of this film itself.
The "Permanent Assurance" short which opens the film is, as others have stated, quite symbolic and pertinent to modern times. The fantasy of the segment is quite evocative of Gilliam's later "Adventures of Baron Munchausen" and is potentially just as off-putting for those who do not appreciate bits of whimsy. It is quite a spectacle and I really enjoyed seeing the later reference to this segment in the middle of the movie. It was fun to see and identify a young Matt Frewer/Max Headroom as well.
The movie proper opens with fish discussing life's meaning and a cute little animated intro featuring a fun song by Eric Idle. The Miracle of Birth is an apt way to begin a film about life and we are treated to a hilarious hospital scene of a woman about to give birth and the attendant physicians. Anyone who has actually given birth in a hospital will probably identify with the depersonalization inherent to the situation. I laughed when the husband was shooed away and the mother of the child was told to do nothing because she is not qualified. Funny, yes, and oh-so-true.
The second segment continues the birth scenario with a vignette taking place in the Third World (ha!). A Roman Catholic couple has just been blessed with yet another bundle, but, unfortunately, the father has lost his employment and will no longer be able to support the family. The musical number which follows (Every sperm is sacred) is outstanding and is perfectly juxtaposed by the Protestant couple of Graham Chapman and Eric Idle. Chapman's delivery is so spot on and Idle's facial expressions are priceless. The kicker for me is the punchline after the scene which leads into segment 3: Growth and Learning.
John Cleese's performance as headmaster is equally brilliant and I have to admit I get a big kick out of the sex education class. I would like to be a fly on the wall for that one. It segues nicely into a rough-and-tumble rugby scene which is followed by an equally-violent wartime scenario (Segment 4). This sketch is quite amusingly played by the cast. Turn up the volume a bit to hear all that they are saying. Next, Michael Palin gives a quirky turn as a drill sergeant and then they are off to South Africa for a skirmish with the Zulus. (Psst, there really are no tigers in Africa.)
Terry Gilliam announces the middle of the film and we are swept away to a surreal scenario incorporating the fish again and other creatures of the night. Next, follows the middle years (#5) featuring a minor discourse on existential philosophy which transitions into scene 6: Live Organ Transplant. This scene is a bit gory, but leads to a fun song/fantasy animation segment starring showman Eric Idle.
Scene 7: The Autumn Years is next, showcasing our Wall Street group from the opening segment. Their discussion is quite metaphysical and most illuminating. Next, we are taken to the French restaurant with Mr. Creosote. This is my least favorite section of the movie, but I do appreciate it as a lead-in to Gaston's philosophy of life.
The Final Segment 8: Death opens with a cute little animated sequence and goes on to a scene with gratuitous nudity. Somehow it avoids being overly offensive, but if I were younger I would probably have a problem with it. The dinner sequence with the grim reaper follows and further shows the versatility of the principals. The closing segment in Heaven links the film nicely and has another fine musical number starring Chapman called "Christmas in Heaven." This blue-toned sequence smacks of Gilliam's "Brazil" and is a fun way to end the picture. Of course, Michael Palin sums things up nicely afterward, but this is more as an afterthought than anything else.
All in all, if you can keep an open mind and are not easily offended, Python's "Meaning of Life" is highly worth viewing and a special musical treat. Check it out today! |
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Monty Python's the Meaning of Life dvd movie.