The Man Who Killed Don Quixote Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cynical director accidentally adopts a delusional old man who thinks he’s Don Quixote and then everyone just kinda yells at each other for two hours while windmills judge from afar.

🍿 The Man Who Killed Don Quixote: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Director’s Regret

Toby, a cynical film director, is in Spain shooting a Don Quixote-themed commercial. He discovers a DVD of a student film he made years ago, also based on Don Quixote, which starred locals. Haunted by the past, Toby seeks out the village where he filmed the movie.

Quixote Vive!

Toby finds that Javier, the shoemaker he cast as Don Quixote, now believes himself to be the real Don Quixote. He also discovers that Angelica, who played Dulcinea, has had a difficult life since the film. Toby is drawn into Javier’s delusional world, becoming his reluctant Sancho Panza.

Fantasy and Reality Blur

As Toby spends more time with Javier, the line between reality and fantasy blurs. They embark on a series of surreal adventures, encountering medieval re-enactors and navigating Javier’s increasingly erratic behavior. Toby struggles to reconcile his past actions with their present-day consequences.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Toby (Adam Driver): A cynical film director who finds his past catching up to him when he revisits a village where he made a student film about Don Quixote.
• Don Quixote (José Luis Ferrer): An old Spanish shoemaker who becomes convinced he is Don Quixote after being cast in Toby’s student film.
• Jacqui (Olga Kurylenko): The married woman and Toby’s romantic interest who is involved in the commercial production.
• Angelica (Paloma Bloyd): A young woman who played Dulcinea in Toby’s student film and whose life was significantly impacted by it.
• The Boss (Stellan Skarsgård): The producer of the commercial Toby is directing.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rupert: “We become what we hold on to.” – Rupert, the producer, remarks about how Toby’s youthful idealism has been replaced by cynicism because of his clinging to commercial success.
• Don Quixote: “Today’s a marvelous day for adventures!” – Don Quixote constantly repeats the line with child-like enthusiasm

💰Box Office

• Budget: €17,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $391,963
• Worldwide Gross: $2,433,457

💥 The Man Who Killed Don Quixote Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went in expecting a classic Gilliam head trip, and I got it! It’s messy, it’s weird, and at times I wasn’t sure what was real, but that’s the point, right? Jonathan Pryce IS Don Quixote, and Adam Driver does a great job of spiraling into madness. I especially loved the scene in the castle with the crazy masquerade ball; it felt like a total fever dream. This movie isn’t for everyone, but if you like your films a little bonkers, give it a shot.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Terry Gilliam’s films”
  • “Viewers interested in surreal and fantastical stories”
  • “People who appreciate stories about filmmaking and creative struggles”
  • “Those familiar with the Don Quixote novel”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some violence”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Gilliam’s long-gestating passion project is undeniably ambitious, but ultimately feels disjointed and messy. While the visuals are striking, the narrative struggles to coalesce into a satisfying whole. A fascinating story *about* the making of a movie, not necessarily a fascinating movie itself.
• The Guardian: “It’s a flawed but fascinating film, bursting with Gilliam’s signature visual flair and eccentric characters. Adam Driver and Jonathan Pryce deliver compelling performances, but the film’s ambition sometimes outstrips its execution.
• National Review: “A self-indulgent mess. The film lacks narrative coherence and relies too heavily on Gilliam’s trademark visual flourishes to distract from a weak story. It’s a disappointment for fans hoping for a return to form.

Audience Reactions

Jonathan Pryce’s performance as Don Quixote was amazing and made the film worth watching.: Viewers praised the film’s visuals, the performances of Jonathan Pryce and Adam Driver, and its exploration of themes like disillusionment and the power of dreams.

Visually stunning, but the plot was too confusing and hard to follow.: Some felt the movie was overly chaotic, lacking a clear narrative structure and consistent tone, making it difficult to engage with emotionally.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and thought-provoking film that’s a wild ride, but its chaotic narrative may not appeal to everyone.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film spent over 29 years in development hell, becoming one of the most notoriously difficult and cursed film projects in cinema history.”
• “The behind-the-scenes documentary ‘Lost in La Mancha’ chronicles Terry Gilliam’s initial failed attempt to make the film in 2000, adding another layer of meta-narrative to the project.”
• “Several actors were attached to the project over the years, including Johnny Depp, Ewan McGregor, and Jack O’Connell, before Adam Driver ultimately took the lead role.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Man Who Killed Don Quixote?

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on Amazon Prime Video for purchase or rental. It is also available on Apple TV and Google Play Movies & TV. Check your local listings for other streaming services or purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, you might like these similar films:

• Brazil (1985): Another Terry Gilliam film exploring themes of fantasy vs. reality and the individual’s struggle against a bizarre and oppressive system.
• Lost in La Mancha (2002): Documentary about Terry Gilliam’s first attempt to film Don Quixote; provides context to the struggles and creative process.
• Adaptation. (2002): Explores the creative struggles and personal life of screenwriter Charlie Kaufman adapting The Orchid Thief.

🛒 The Man Who Killed Don Quixote Related Products

• Lost in La Mancha [Blu-ray]: The acclaimed documentary about Terry Gilliam’s first, failed attempt to make ‘The Man Who Killed Don Quixote’. A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of filmmaking.
• Don Quixote (Penguin Classics): The Complete and unabridged novel. A cultural touchstone
• Funko Pop! Movies: Monty Python and The Holy Grail – Black Knight: While not directly linked to Don Quixote, Gilliam’s connection to Monty Python makes this a fun collectible for fans of his work.
• Adobe Premiere Pro: Premium video editing software

🎧 Soundtrack

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Tarde Azul de Abril” – performed by Carmen Linares
• “The Man Who Killed Don Quixote Suite” – performed by Roque Baños

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Adam Driver tried to warm up costar Joana Ribeiro after a freezing shooting

Ever wonder what it’s like on a movie set? Check out this sweet moment where Adam Driver tries to warm up his co-star during a freezing shoot. It’s these little glimpses of humanity that make watching behind-the-scenes content so worthwhile!

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote reviewed by Mark Kermode

Thinking about watching ‘The Man Who Killed Don Quixote’? Get the lowdown from film critic Mark Kermode before you commit! His reviews are always insightful and entertaining, giving you a solid idea of what to expect from the movie.

Top 10 Movies That Aren’t On Your Radar For 2018

Looking for your next favorite movie that flew under the radar? Check out this WatchMojo list featuring ‘The Man Who Killed Don Quixote’! It’s a great way to discover hidden gems that you might have missed and maybe find your new favorite.

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