And Now for Something Completely Different Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of British guys re-enact their old TV show sketches, but on film, so it’s basically the same thing, only… different, and now with more Terry Gilliam animations that will either make you laugh or question your sanity.

🍿 And Now for Something Completely Different: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Anthology of Classic Sketches

‘And Now for Something Completely Different’ is a compilation of re-filmed sketches from the first two seasons of Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The film brings some of the group’s most iconic bits to a wider audience, including ‘The Dead Parrot Sketch,’ ‘The Lumberjack Song,’ and ‘Upper Class Twit of the Year.’ It aims to introduce the Pythons’ brand of surreal humor to American audiences. The film is structured as a series of unrelated skits and Terry Gilliam’s signature animated segments, providing a non-stop barrage of absurd humor. A key element is the self-aware humor, acknowledging the silliness within the film itself. This sets the stage for a viewing experience where the unexpected is the norm.

Key Sketches and Themes

The film includes a diverse range of sketches, from the dark humor of ‘How Not to Be Seen,’ which satirizes government films, to the linguistic absurdity of ‘Dirty Hungarian Phrasebook.’ ‘Hell’s Grannies’ presents a mockumentary-style look at antisocial elderly women, and ‘The Funniest Joke in the World’ imagines a joke so lethal it wins wars. Recurring themes in the sketches include satire of British culture, irreverence towards authority, and a general embrace of the bizarre. The film frequently breaks the fourth wall, with characters acknowledging the artifice of the production and commenting on its silliness. Terry Gilliam’s animations provide surreal transitions and visual gags that further enhance the film’s unique style.

Visual Style and Transitions

Terry Gilliam’s distinctive animation style plays a crucial role in the film, connecting sketches with surreal and often grotesque imagery. These animations provide visual punchlines and absurd commentary on the sketches themselves. His unique cut-out animation is a hallmark of Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Transitions between sketches are often abrupt and unexpected, further contributing to the film’s disjointed and unpredictable nature. Characters from one sketch may suddenly appear in another, or the film may cut unexpectedly to a completely unrelated scene. This adds to the overall sense of chaos and absurdity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John Cleese (John Cleese): A versatile performer, he plays numerous roles including the narrator in ‘How Not to Be Seen’ and a customer attempting to return a dead parrot.
• Michael Palin (Michael Palin): A key Python member, he portrays characters like Ernest Scribbler, the inventor of the funniest joke in the world, and a milkman seduced at a doorstep.
• Terry Gilliam (Terry Gilliam): Besides providing animations, Gilliam cameos as a nun and contributes to the film’s surreal and absurdist style.
• Eric Idle (Eric Idle): A talented performer, he embodies varied roles such as a marriage guidance counselor and Rita Fairbanks in the Pearl Harbor reenactment.
• Terry Jones (Terry Jones): A core Python member, he takes on roles such as a tobacconist in the ‘Dirty Hungarian Phrasebook’ sketch and a flasher.
• Graham Chapman (Graham Chapman): As part of the troupe, he portrays various characters, including an uptight Colonel and a participant in the ‘Upper Class Twit of the Year’ competition.
• Carol Cleveland (Carol Cleveland): Appearing in multiple sketches, she often plays the role of attractive women in comedic situations, like Deirdre Pewtey seeking marriage guidance.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Narrator: “And now for something completely different.” – The catchphrase of the show, used as a transition between sketches and became the film’s title.
• Mr. Praline: “This parrot is no more! It has ceased to be! It’s expired and gone to meet its maker!” – Part of the ‘Dead Parrot’ sketch, a detailed and absurd description of the parrot’s demise.
• Lumberjack: “I’m a lumberjack, and I’m okay, I sleep all night and I work all day.” – The opening line of the ‘Lumberjack Song’, a humorous and unexpected revelation of the lumberjack’s lifestyle.
• Hungarian: “My hovercraft is full of eels.” – From the ‘Dirty Hungarian Phrasebook’ sketch, this absurd phrase is mistakenly used instead of a polite request.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $100,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $6,979

💥 And Now for Something Completely Different Reviews

Personal Review

Alright, I have to admit, this movie is peak Monty Python. It’s like a greatest hits album but for sketch comedy. Some sketches hit harder than others, but when they land, they *really* land. I lost it during the ‘Upper Class Twit of the Year’ sketch. It’s just so utterly ridiculous, and the animation is mind-bendingly bizarre. If you’re new to Monty Python, this is a perfect starting point, but be prepared for some seriously weird stuff!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Monty Python’s Flying Circus”
  • “Viewers who appreciate surreal and absurd humor”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted and silly comedy”
  • “Fans of British comedy”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes contain suggestive humor and innuendo”
  • “Occasional mild violence and cartoonish gore”
  • “Potentially offensive stereotypes in some sketches (reflecting the era it was made)”
  • “General silliness and nonsensical situations”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “”And Now for Something Completely Different” offers a potent dose of Monty Python’s unique brand of humor. While some sketches fare better than others, the film successfully showcases the group’s absurd wit and anarchic energy. The combination of live-action and Terry Gilliam’s surreal animation creates a distinctive and memorable cinematic experience. A must-see for Python enthusiasts and a good introduction for newcomers.
• The New York Times: “This collection of re-filmed Monty Python sketches provides a taste of their signature style. The humor is often silly and irreverent, with moments of genuine brilliance interspersed among more forgettable segments. Terry Gilliam’s animations add a layer of visual absurdity to the proceedings. While not as polished as their later films, “And Now for Something Completely Different” offers a glimpse into the origins of Monty Python’s comedic genius.

Audience Reactions

The Lumberjack Song is hilarious and iconic.: Viewers appreciate the film’s surreal humor and quotable lines.

Terry Gilliam’s animations are bizarre but add to the film’s unique charm.: The film is considered a good introduction to the world of Monty Python.

Overall Consensus: A compilation of Monty Python’s Flying Circus sketches that offers a mixed bag of humor, with some sketches considered iconic and others less successful. A good starting point for newcomers to Monty Python.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This film was intended to introduce Monty Python to the American market, featuring re-filmed sketches from their first two seasons.”
• “Victor Lownes of Playboy Productions financed the film, hoping it would become a cult hit in the U.S.”
• “The film includes reworked versions of classic sketches, some with altered lines and added links between them.”
• “Terry Jones makes his debut as the nude organist in the Blackmail sketch, a role previously performed by Terry Gilliam on TV.”

🖥️ How to Watch And Now for Something Completely Different?

As a collection of sketches, ‘And Now for Something Completely Different’ isn’t widely available for streaming. Check platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play Movies for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary depending on your region. Keep an eye out for Monty Python collections that might include this film. You can also search Amazon for physical copies of the DVD or Blu-ray for purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed And Now for Something Completely Different, you might like these similar films:

• Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975): Another classic Monty Python film with a narrative structure and absurd humor.
• The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977): A similar sketch comedy film with outrageous and often offensive humor.
• Amazon Women on the Moon (1987): A later sketch comedy film that tries to capture the same anarchic spirit.
• The Goon Show (1951-1960): A British radio comedy show that was a precursor and influence on Monty Python’s style.

🛒 And Now for Something Completely Different Related Products

• Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Complete Series: Relive all the iconic moments from the original TV series that inspired this film, filled with timeless sketches and absurd humor.
• Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A meticulously restored edition of Monty Python’s most famous film. Enjoy hours of bonus features, and gain insight to their comedic genius.
• Monty Python’s Spamalot (Original Broadway Cast Recording): A hilarious musical adaptation of ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail,’ capturing the wit and absurdity of the original film.
• Monty Python Official T-Shirt: Show your love for Monty Python with a classic t-shirt featuring iconic imagery from their films and TV shows.

🎧 Soundtrack

And Now for Something Completely Different features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Lumberjack Song” – performed by Michael Palin & The Fred Tomlinson Singers
• “Liberty Bell March (Monty Python Theme)” – performed by John Philip Sousa

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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