The Late Movies: Terry Gilliam's Animation

Chris Higgins
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Terry Gilliam is now a renowned director, but he got his start in illustration and cut-out animation -- most notably for Monty Python. In the roundup below, I've collected some favorite Gilliam animated shorts. Warning: they are often crude and naughty.

And Now for Something Completely Different

A classic opener, featuring Conrad Poohs and His Dancing Teeth. Oh yes. This had a huge influence on my childhood.

The Dance of Venus

The Birth of Venus gets funky. Apparently from one of the many Python segments.

"Brian Islam and Brucie"

One of the Python interstitial films, showing Gilliam's skill with stop-motion dancing.

The Tale of Sir Galahad

From Monty Python and the Holy Grail, of course.

Spoof of "2001: A Space Odyssey"

I can't find evidence of when this was made (or even that Gilliam actually produced it) but it sure looks like his work.

Television

From a Python episode. Now you know why TV is bad for your eyes.

The Miracle of Flight (1974)

"Ever since Man first observed the smooth, graceful soaring of a Boeing 707, he has had an unquenchable desire to fly." But it was not until 1643 that success would be

achieved

...no, that's not right, next!

Beware of the Elephants (1967)

An odd collage of snippets.

Storytime (1968)

Gilliam's directorial debut. Like any good story, it involves many digressions.

Complete (?) Python Animation Collection

This set of videos appears to be a complete collection of the animated segments from Monty Python's Flying Circus. If you have an hour to spare, go nuts!

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