Dir: Bill Jones, Jeff Simpson, Ben Timlett, UK/USA, 2012, DCP, 83min
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Documentary
Identity: Gay
A Liar’s Autobiography - The Untrue Story Of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman In 3D
And now for something completely different! That catchphrase from Monty Python’s Flying Circus works perfectly for the MQFF’s very first 3D session and is also the overriding philosophy behind the late Graham Chapman’s autobiographical film. Completely anarchic, revealing and as expected very funny, these series of sketches executed in 15 different animation styles, attempt to tell the life story of Chapman - comedian, actor, rugby fan, pipe smoker, alcoholic and gay man (or 70% gay as his self-conducted survey revealed), amongst other things
Based on Chapman’s famous false memoir A Liar's Autobiography (Volume VI), the 3D film version is a chaotic and often hilarious ride through Chapman’s version of his life well lived before dying of lung cancer in 1989 at age 48. And despite being dead for all of the time since, Chapman manages to make himself star of the show thanks to a decent slab of newly discovered audio recordings of readings. Fellow members of the Monty Python team take part (John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam), adding to the humour, with fabulous footage of Cleese delivering the eulogy at Chapman’s funeral.
Chapman’s naughtily queer heart beats throughout, as does the irreverent mood - perfectly fitting for a man whose work life constantly careered toward the absurd. A Liar’s Autobiography is an MQFF highlight, and not to be missed! (Lisa Daniel MQFF)
"I had no idea until recently that Graham Chapman is in fact dead - I thought he was just being lazy!" Terry Jones
$20 Full / $17 Concession / $16 MQFF Member includes 3D glasses
Melbourne Premiere