A Philosophical Odyssey

Rating: 8/10 (14 January 2001)

Several films have examined the classic form of the Greek Tragedy, but none with more sophistication than this and due mention to the Greek myth of Cassandra that drives such plots. Although Bruce Willis is in classic "detached man with an important mission" mode, he shows why you've got to see him outside of an action film in order to gauge his worth as an actor. His restraint in the role of a man not quite sure whether the disaster he foresees is real or just a figment of his own mind helps to allow the viewer to wonder whether it all might be a dream. During the movie, you have more faith in Bruce's mission than Bruce does.
In the end, like many movies of this type, including ones with happy endings (think "Terminator 2" or any of the many time travel episodes of Star Trek), you have to wonder whether prescience is actually something to be envied or whether knowing the outcome is actually enough to alter it.
In addition, Terry Gilliam is one of my favourite directors merely for the sense of style he gives to the cinematography. Even a stinker like "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" treats every shot like a masterpiece of art and this film is no exception.