DVD Review: Lost in La Mancha (B+)

Lost in La Mancha (2002)
Directed by Keith Fulton
Starring Terry Gilliam, Johnny Depp, Jean Rochefort and Jeff Bridges (narrator)
MPAA: R
Grade: B+

Review by Scott Standish

Most documentaries focused on the making of another film are usually biased, contrived and worst of all, boring. Lost In La Mancha, a documentary about a film project that completely falls apart, is certainly none of the above. It showcases just how hard it is to make a major motion picture these days. The bizarre circumstances that beset the people involved are entertaining, to say the least.

Brilliant but eccentric director Terry Gilliam (Brazil, Fisher King) had been trying for years to bring the book Don Quixote to the silver screen. This documentary follows the project from green light, to production, and to its utter collapse only weeks into shooting. Actors don't show, and when they do, they fall deeply ill. Military planes constantly roar overhead, causing sound problems and massive delays. The most ridiculous moment occurs when the film crew sets up for a shooting the desert, only to be rained out with a massive flash flood. Murphy's Law was truly in effect and Gilliam's project completely disintegrated.

Watching a brilliant idea for a movie (with brilliant directors and actors on board) collapse really makes one appreciate how hard it is bring a great motion picture to the screen. Lost in La Mancha is fascinating and highly recommended.

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