h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

i just got brazil in the post yesterday.
I've seen it once before but the sound was so low in the mix i had to turn it up and have it hissing all the way through;-(
However it was still unbelievably different and i found it infinitely fascinating.After reading the rest of the conversation its certainly wetted my appetite to go back and see it again
Perhaps after my coursework and exam
*******
keep on lovin'
keep on livin'

The americanized version - the "Love conquers all" version, as Gilliam calls it - has not only a different ending, but cut out every scene not compatible with the happy end (they cut it down from 142 to 94 minutes). A lot of important details get lost that way, the characters change since you don't see the motivation for their actions and the storyline becomes incoherent. Ironically, they left in all the scenes with De Niro, even the one at the end where he gets eaten by the paper, which makes absolutely, completely and totally no sense in that version, since it is supposed to be real. If you nevertheless want to see it, get the Criterion Collection version of the DVD, which includes 3 DVDs: Gilliams final cut (including audio commentary by him), a disc full of making-of stuff and the Love Conquers All version (with commentary too, pointing out how the editing changes the movie). It's almost scary how different those two versions are and it makes you wonder how many crappy hollywood movies are masterpieces (as Brazil definitely is) f*****d up by the studios.
Ah, writing about it makes me want to watch it once again, which is what I'm going to do now.

Thanks for the info-I shall check the running time of the widescreen VHS and let you know which version i have before i watch it

Boswell

It should be noted that there are in fact four different versions of "Brazil" (that I know of). There is the European version, the "Love Conquers All" version, the American version (Gilliam's American version, I mean, not "Love Conquers All." This verion is still shorter than the European version, though there are a few bits that were added in here and there), and finally the Criterion DVD version, which is billed as Gilliam's final final cut and incorporates footage from both the American and European versions of the film. Hope this is helpful.

Snoogins.

I'm still waiting till after my exams to view the vid(got more will power for this than choc.swiss roll....but thats another story)
But the running time is 138mins approx.So i guess thats got the darkly comic touches of Gilliam.
The packaging has a pic of Pyrce(?)'s character on the front with his brick wall forehead exploding
Nice
Boswell

I've been hearing rumours (very vague and unsubstantiated, mind you) that a sequel to Brazil may happen. Anyone heard anything?

Also, I've heard even more rumours that a Time Bandits II is in the works. I remember a few years ago reading in an entertainment trade paper that it was in preproduction, but nothing ever came of it.

I haven't heard anything about a Brazil sequel. Personally, I'm not sure what could be done that wasn't already done in the original, but if Gilliam is involved, it would at least be worth a look. Also, considering that the original didn't exactly break box office records, I think it would take some major persuasion for the studios to consider spending their money on another.

As for Time Bandits, I think Gilliam considered producing a sequel, but not directing it. It was supposed to play heavily into the approach of the new millenium. If it ever does happen, I think it can be safely assumed that millenium thing would be thrown out. At this point, though, I wouldn't hold my breath.