Time Bandits • The Next Reel

Getting out from under the shadow of Monty Python proved difficult for Terry Gilliam early in his solo career — no one in America would finance any films for him — so while he waited to get his big movie, "Brazil," off the ground, he wrote a script for an idea he'd been kicking around that would appeal to the whole family. "Time Bandits" proved to be a box office success and still is one of Gilliam's most profitable movies, allowing him to make "Brazil" immediately afterward and continue in the business. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we dig into his 1981 film. We talk about how this film struck us at an early age and how we find it now, thrilled that Gilliam made a children's film that didn't need to gloss anything over for kids but kept it raw and edgy. We chat about the slew of actors running all through it — from the brilliance of the kid and six dwarfs in the titular roles to all the fantastic cameos and bit parts scattered through it (and, of course, most notably the brilliant David Warner playing Evil in the best way possible). We discuss the theological views of the story and how these views don't really affect the film, which can be viewed as simply a children's film still. And we look at the amazing world building done by Gilliam in this film and how he couldn't have done it without the help of his brilliant costume designer, production designer and art director. It's a film that holds up incredibly well for us and holds a special place in our hearts. We have a great chat about it, so check it out and tune in! Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! The Next Reel on iTunes The Next Reel on Facebook The Next Reel on Twitter The Next Reel on Flickchart The Next Reel on Letterboxd Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter Follow Pete Wright on Twitter Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter Check out Tom Metz on IMDB Follow Mike Evans on Twitter Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter Follow Steven Smart on Letterboxd The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements | The Film Board | Movies We Like | The Next Reel | Sitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Web | Letterboxd | Flickchart | Instagram | Bluesky | YouTube | DiscordYour Hosts: Andy | PeteMerch Store | Audible