Watch Jabberwocky

Jabberwocky is a 1971 British comedy film directed by Terry Gilliam, one of the members of Monty Python. The story is loosely based on the poem Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll, and takes place in medieval times, in a country that's being ravaged by the eponymous monster. The movie follows the misadventures of Dennis Cooper (played by Michael Palin), a young man from a rural village who goes to the big city to find work as a cooper (a maker of barrels). However, he soon finds himself embroiled in a series of increasingly bizarre and grotesque events, as the Jabberwocky rampages through the land, killing people and animals.

As Dennis travels through the countryside, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, many of whom are played by members of Monty Python. These include:

- Griselda Fishfinger (played by Annette Badland), a grotesque plump woman who takes an instant liking to Dennis and follows him wherever he goes.
- Mr. Fishfinger (played by Warren Mitchell), Griselda's father and the owner of a small business that specializes in selling people's excrement as fertilizer.
- King Bruno the Questionable (played by Max Wall), the ruler of the kingdom, who is more interested in hunting and tormenting his subjects than in dealing with the Jabberwocky.
- The Black Knight (played by John Le Mesurier), a cynical mercenary who befriends Dennis and teaches him the art of swordfighting.
- The Princess (played by Debby Cumming), the object of Dennis's affections, who is about to be forced into marrying King Bruno.

Throughout the movie, Dennis tries to make a name for himself by killing the Jabberwocky, but he's repeatedly frustrated by his own incompetence and bad luck. Meanwhile, the other characters pursue their own schemes and goals, often with disastrous consequences.

The movie is notable for its grotesque and absurdist humor, which is characteristic of Gilliam's work. The Jabberwocky creature itself is a grotesque creation, resembling a giant lizard with a squid-like head and numerous tentacles. Its attacks are graphically violent, but also played for laughs, with the hapless victims often meeting gruesome and ridiculous ends.

The movie is also notable for its visual style, which features Gilliam's trademark use of low-angle shots, exaggerated perspective, and surrealistic imagery. The medieval setting is portrayed as a grimy and rundown world, with dilapidated buildings and muddy streets. The costumes and sets are deliberately shabby and exaggerated, adding to the movie's comic tone.

Jabberwocky was released in 1971, at a time when Monty Python was at the peak of their popularity. However, the movie was not a commercial success, and received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its anarchic humor and inventive visuals, while others found it too obscure and nihilistic. In retrospect, the movie is considered a cult classic, and is admired for its unique and uncompromising vision.

Overall, Jabberwocky is a bizarre and darkly funny movie that will appeal to fans of Monty Python and Terry Gilliam's other works. Its combination of grotesque humor, surreal imagery, and medieval setting make it a unique entry in the comedy genre. However, it's not for everyone, and those who are easily offended or put off by graphic violence should probably give it a miss.