The Ministry of Silly Films: Monty Python and Beyond

“It’s…!” The quintessential British comedy collective coalesced when the writing team of John Cleese and Graham Chapman joined forces with already-collaborating Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Terry Gilliam. Careening seemingly ordinary conversations and ideas into illogical and hysterical conclusions, the comedy troupe soared from their first television broadcast in August 1969. Conceiving dozens of memorable characters and situations, they have been giving generations convulsions ever since. As the best interpreters of their own writing, they honed their performing skills and movies soon beckoned. Like The Beatles, the Pythons would create classic works together and apart, often reuniting on one another’s pet projects. This retrospective includes all four features they made as a team, as well as notable movies directed by the two Terrys, with Gilliam evolving from animation genius to premier fantasist and Jones taking on eclectic material. From songs to sketches to slapstick to scatology, the Pythons have added immeasurably to the definition and direction of film comedy. Know-what-we-mean, eh, know-what-we-mean?

Past Screenings