Terry Gilliam Goes Steampunk With "1884"

1/04/2011 Posted by Admin

Terry Gilliam Goes Steampunk With "1884"

Movie News

By our guest blogger, Matt Jussim


It's really impossible for my ears to not perk up when I hear the words 'Terry', 'Gilliam,' and 'steampunk.' Gilliam is one of the most talented and unique directors of all time, and the 'steampunk' era made for some great films (i.e., the recent "Sherlock Holmes"). So, it's fantastic news to hear that Gilliam is planning a project set to take place in that particular era. 

According to Variety, Gilliam and visual effects artist Tim Ollive are teaming for "1884," which is described as an $8 million "mixed-media adventure."

The project is an alternative history story of some sorts, with the story set in an alternate 1884, where the industrial revolution went a lot further and faster along than it really did, resulting in a futuristic metropolis filled with steam-powered flying cars and the scientific advancement of mankind.

What makes the project so intriguing to me is that the story will mix animation, live-action puppetry and computer graphics while the backgrounds will blend period photography, miniatures and graphics. Ollive will direct the project Gilliam will serve as both producer and advisor. Ollive co-wrote the screenplay with Dennis de Groot, while Gilliam said that some of the "Monty Python" cast would lend voices to the film.

Gilliam stated that the project would "not [be] slick and sleek CG work, such as studios in L.A. particularly produce. It looks crafted by an artisan, and the scale and design are spectacular."

The film sounds like it will be wildly imaginative and seemingly something that only a guy like Gilliam could come up with. The alternative history aspect of things will be interesting to see, as will the blend of animation, live action, and computers. From the way the project has come together, it sounds like it will be something truly original we have yet to see onscreen.

Also, how cool will it be to hear some of our favorite "Monty Python" actors together again?

More news on this project should come early in the New Year.

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