Film Event: Inside the Head of Terry Gilliam

Some of you may be aware that it's currently the London Film Festival - a very exciting time. On Wednesday night, I was blessed to meet legendary director, animator and visionary - Terry Gilliam. Whether you recognize him as part of the bizarre comedy troupe, Monty Python, his wild artistic creations or his legacy of extraordinary films, Gilliam has established himself as a true icon in film history. I visited the South Bank Center in London hear him discuss his career with BBC arts editor, Will Gompertz. 

It's pretty near-on impossible to call yourself a film fan and not recognize Gilliam as one of the great auteurs of his generation (although Gilliam claims he is not and describes himself as a "fil-ter", filtering others' opinions around him.) Responsible for some incredible titles such as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998),  Brazil (1985) and Twelve Monkeys (1995) to name only a few, Gilliam has had an astonishing multi-faceted career; working with the biggest names in the business. Now aged 74 years old, Gilliam has just released his latest book detailing the artistic madness that consumes his mind entitled Gilliamesque: A Pre-posthumous Memoir. Filled with stunning pages, the book details his childhood in Minnesota, to LA as a 12 year old, to London with the Pythons and his career as a film maker. In an exclusive appearance at the Royal Festival Hall, Gompertz sat down with Gilliam to discuss his life and legacy, presenting multimedia along the way. 

Attending purely on a whim when I had an unexpected invite from an old uni classmate, I couldn't believe I was going to be in the same room as Terry Gilliam let alone get to meet him afterwards. Having studied him as a film student, watched him as a Python from a young age and classed some of his films as my all time favourites, what do you do when you meet them face to face?

I had an excellent night listening to Gilliam discuss his childhood, college years and life as a Python and a film maker. He speaks so passionately about his career, his experiences and he has such a great understanding of himself as a person and director. Meeting him was amazing; he is so friendly and patient despite being mobbed by all the fans waiting for him.

What are your favourite Gilliam films? Have you ever met one of your heroes? As always, I love reading your comments so leave your thoughts below. I hope everyone has an amazing weekend. Myself and Jack will be celebrating our two year anniversary with some IMAX and a fancy dinner in London and I'm super excited. Pictures of our day out to follow shortly!

Until next time movie-goers,