Jabberwocky Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy who really loves barrels accidentally becomes a hero by killing a dragon… because he wanted to marry a girl who loves potatoes.

🍿 Jabberwocky: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Dennis’s Humble Beginnings

Dennis Cooper, a young and somewhat dim-witted cooper’s apprentice, lives in a dirty, squalid medieval village. He is hopelessly in love with the unattractive Griselda Fishfinger, despite her lack of interest in him. Dennis’s life takes a turn when his father disowns him on his deathbed, pushing him to seek his fortune in the nearby city.

The Terror of the Jabberwock

The city Dennis travels to is under siege, not by an army, but by the Jabberwock, a monstrous beast terrorizing the countryside. Panic and fear grip the populace, leading to economic exploitation by merchants who profit from the influx of refugees seeking shelter within the city walls. The King, Bruno the Questionable, is pressured to find a champion to slay the beast.

Tournament of Champions

To find a suitable champion, King Bruno organizes a grand jousting tournament. However, the tournament quickly devolves into a chaotic and bloody mess, with many knights killed or maimed. Amidst the chaos, Dennis finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the role of the kingdom’s unlikely hero, despite his own reluctance and lack of experience.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dennis Cooper (Michael Palin): A naive and somewhat dim-witted cooper’s apprentice who accidentally becomes the kingdom’s unlikely hero.
• King Bruno the Questionable (Max Wall): The inept and somewhat detached ruler of the kingdom who struggles to deal with the Jabberwocky threat.
• The Chamberlain (John Le Mesurier): The King’s advisor who tries to help guide King Bruno and keep the kingdom running.
• Griselda Fishfinger (Annette Badland): Dennis’s unrequited love interest, the obese and generally uninterested daughter of a local merchant.
• The Squire (Harry H. Corbett): A squire who participates in the jousting tournament in hopes of becoming champion.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Narrator: “It is the middle of the Dark Ages. Ages darker than anyone had ever expected.” – Sets the tone for the film’s bleak and absurd depiction of the medieval period.
• King Bruno the Questionable: “Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!” – The King’s traditional proclamation, delivered with quirky, eccentric flair.
• Dennis Cooper: “I’ve seen a gliding hogfish once, but never a flying one.” – Demonstrates Dennis’ naive worldview.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $500,000
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: None

💥 Jabberwocky Reviews

Personal Review

Honestly, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this film. The Monty Python cast brings a unique comedic style to a dark, gritty medieval setting. I was hooked from the initial scene of the Jabberwock attack. The satire is sharp, and Michael Palin’s bumbling character is both hilarious and endearing. It’s not laugh-out-loud funny all the time, but the dry wit and visual gags kept me engaged. I recommend it for anyone looking for something different.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Monty Python”
  • “Viewers who enjoy dark humor and satire”
  • “Those interested in low-budget fantasy films”
  • “Fans of Terry Gilliam’s unique directing style”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Gore and violence”
  • “Crude humor”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “Jabberwocky is Terry Gilliam’s fantasy satire that reverses every rule of the fantasy genre with sardonic wit. A dimwitted ‘champion’ attempts to secure the hand of his princess by killing the Jabberwocky. Great photography and decent production values enhance the viewing experience, but the humor can be subtle.
• Crunchyroll: “Though somewhat uneven, Jabberwocky showcases Terry Gilliam’s trademark visual style and dark humor. The film features a stellar cast of British comedy veterans, with Max Wall’s King Bruno stealing the show. While not as consistently funny as Monty Python’s Holy Grail, it is still enjoyable and remains an excellent cinematic achievement.
• IMDB: “After decades Jabberwocky still packs a medieval punch! With Terry Gilliam at the directorial helm and Michael Palin starring, the film is an excellent example of British comedy. Although, don’t expect Python level hilarity, this movie is more of a sly satire than it is an outright spoof. While the film is undeniably humorous, its underlying critique of societal norms and the human condition makes it a truly memorable experience.

Audience Reactions

The film’s unique blend of dark humor and satire resonates with those who appreciate unconventional comedy.: Viewers find the film increasingly funny with each viewing.

Max Wall’s performance as King Bruno the Questionable is a standout highlight.: Many praise the cast’s performance.

Overall Consensus: Jabberwocky is appreciated as a unique blend of dark humor, medieval setting, and social satire. While not for everyone, those who enjoy unconventional British comedy often find it increasingly funny and insightful with repeated viewings.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The fight between the Jabberwocky and the Black Knight was choreographed differently than what is shown in the movie. When Peter Salmon slipped and fell, director Terry Gilliam decided it looked so natural that he edited the fight sequence to include the fall.”
• “Terry Gilliam has said that ‘Jabberwocky’ was a transitional film, moving from ‘Holy Grail’ to other projects and experimenting with different styles of comedy.”
• “The film was made on a low budget which required creative problem-solving and inspired some of the film’s unique visual style and practical effects.”

🖥️ How to Watch Jabberwocky?

Currently, ‘Jabberwocky’ (1977) is available for digital rental or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. Check your local listings as it may also be available on other streaming services, but availability can vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Jabberwocky, you might like these similar films:

• Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975): Shares a similar medieval setting, absurdist humor, and some of the same cast and crew, making it a direct comparison.
• Time Bandits (1981): Another Terry Gilliam film that blends fantasy, adventure, and dark humor, appealing to fans of Gilliam’s distinct style.
• Erik the Viking (1989): A comedy with a medieval setting that has some absurdist humor.

🛒 Jabberwocky Related Products

• Jabberwocky [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray edition of Terry Gilliam’s classic, featuring restored visuals and bonus content, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. A must-have for fans of the film.
• Jabberwocky T-Shirt – ‘Beware the Jabberwock, my son!’: High-quality T-shirt featuring iconic imagery and memorable quotes from the film. Comfortable and stylish, perfect for displaying your love for Terry Gilliam’s creation.
• Jabberwocky: The Board Game: A strategic board game where players navigate a medieval kingdom threatened by the Jabberwock. Features unique characters, quests, and challenges inspired by the film. Hours of fun for fans and board game enthusiasts alike.
• Jabberwocky – Limited Edition Collector’s Figurine: A highly detailed, hand-painted figurine of the Jabberwocky monster from the film. Limited edition and individually numbered, this collectible is perfect for display and adds to any film memorabilia collection. Comes in a premium display box.

🎧 Soundtrack

Jabberwocky features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Night on a Bald Mountain” – performed by Modest Mussorgsky & Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Exclusive clip from Terry Gilliam’s Jabberwocky – new 4K restoration | BFI

Wow, check out this exclusive clip from the new 4K restoration! It’s amazing to see how much clearer and vibrant the film looks – you’ve gotta see it to believe it.

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