Tideland

A little girl is growing up cooking heroin for her parents. Every night rocker/father (Jeff Bridges) "takes a little vacation" courtesy of the smack prepared by his daughter, a sweet little girl named Jeliza-Rose. She escapes "reality," as every kid is prone to, to a world influenced by "Alice in Wonderland" and her father's narcotic ramblings about Jutland. When her mother dies of a methadone overdose, Jeliza-Rose is taken by her father to her grandmother's house. The only problem is that grandmother has been dead for years and her house is in abandon.

What I didn't like: countless "Alice in Wonderland" references. It's almost cliche at this point for a child to fall back on their "imagination" that is always portrayed as influenced by Lewis Carroll. Perhaps this is all that we, as adults, can come up with. I agree, Lewis Carroll was "into" children and created a vivid portrayal of the active mind of youth. But come on, why can't a "child's point-of-view" be something other than "Alice in Wonderland?" Surely Terry Gilliam is the one writer/director who doesn't need this crutch.

What I liked: Perhaps I was too harsh in asserting that "Alice in Wonderland" permeated the film. It was, in a good way, grounded by and in the story. That is, it was not necessarily an integral part to the story, yet certain thematic elements were reinforced by knowing a little about "Alice in Wonderland."

All in all, this is definitely a Terry Gilliam film. I suppose no one is disputing that, so I'll elaborate. He's brilliant in the shaping and crafting of his movies. The viewer is constantly trying to understand what is happening and will happen while being engrossed in thought about what just happened. We're forced to live in each moment of the film. His magic is in keeping us barely comfortable in those moments with striking images, wonderful colors, and a lens that films beneath the characters. It's by no accident that you find yourself narrating in one of Jeliza-Rose's dolls' voices as you watch the film. You have, thus, seen what Gilliam sees. It's nice to get out of your head for a while; which is why I love Terry Gilliam.

Watch for: Jeff Bridges, he never disappoints. Also, make sure you pay attention to detail; these are important parts of a Gilliam film. If you've rented the DVD, pause it when in a room and make notes about what you see. There are no mistakes about which objects find themselves on the set. A little lagniappe for ya'.

Most importantly, make sure you listen and heed Terry Gilliam's introduction to the film. At first it seemed unnecessary and a little self-indulgent. However this intro. is appropriate for all of Gilliam's films.

"I remember that" Award: I want a submarine, too.

You should see this movie if: you like Terry Gilliam, his movies, and you remember when how much fun you could have by just Being when you were young.

Take home message: Watch "Getting Gilliam." It's a documentary. You'll like it.