The Adventure of Faustus Bidgood
The Adventure of Faustus Bidgood

The Adventure of Faustus Bidgood

1986Movie110 minEnglish

Faustus is a clerk in St. John's at the Newfoundland Department of Education. He dreams of becoming ruler of Newfoundland and seceding from Canada. In the real world, Faustus' boss Eddie Peddle plans to indoctrinate the citizenry of Newfoundland with a cult-like geometric theory known as Total Education, but Peddle may be foiled by the revelation of a secret from his past career.

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Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: Michael KelemenGenres: Comedy, Fantasy

Plot Summary

Faustus Bidgood, a perpetually unlucky and morally ambiguous sorcerer's apprentice, dreams of achieving great magical power and escaping his mundane life. He stumbles upon a powerful ancient artifact that promises to grant his deepest desires, but its use attracts the attention of dark forces and leads him on a chaotic and often hilarious adventure through a bizarre fantasy realm. Along the way, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters who either aid or hinder his quest, forcing Faustus to confront his own shortcomings and the true meaning of ambition.

Critical Reception

The Adventure of Faustus Bidgood is a cult classic, largely appreciated for its unique brand of surreal British humor and its imaginative, low-budget fantasy world. While not a mainstream hit, it garnered a dedicated following for its quirky characters and offbeat narrative. Critics at the time noted its ambitious concept but sometimes found its execution uneven, though many praised its originality and charm.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its quirky, surreal humor and distinctive British comedic sensibility.
  • Commended for its imaginative, albeit low-budget, fantasy world-building.
  • Some critics found the pacing and narrative structure to be somewhat inconsistent.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's eccentric charm and memorable characters, with many finding it a unique and enjoyable cult film. Some viewers felt the plot could be more coherent, but the overall sentiment leans towards appreciation for its originality and humor.

Fun Fact

The film was shot primarily on location in and around the English countryside, utilizing many real-world settings to create its fantastical atmosphere on a modest budget.

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