# Monty Python's The Meaning of Life

> 1983 film directed by Terry Jones

**Wikidata**: [Q24980](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q24980)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Python's_The_Meaning_of_Life)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/monty-python-s-the-meaning-of-life

## Summary
*Monty Python's The Meaning of Life* is a 1983 film directed by Terry Jones, the final installment in the British surreal comedy group Monty Python's trilogy of theatrical works. It blends absurdist humor, philosophical musings, and satirical commentary on life's existential questions, continuing the group's tradition of subverting conventional storytelling.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: August 26, 1983
- **Director**: Terry Jones
- **Genre**: Musical film, comedy film
- **Country of Origin**: United Kingdom
- **Instance of**: Film
- **Follows**: *Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl* (1982)
- **Award Received**: Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix
- **Wikidata Description**: "1983 film directed by Terry Jones"
- **Publication Dates**: January 1, 1983; March 31, 1983; July 7, 1983
- **IMDb ID**: tt0085959
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 86%
- **Metacritic Score**: 7.3/10
- **Box Office Gross**: $42,700,000 (worldwide), $14,929,552 (domestic)
- **Runtime**: 95 minutes
- **Language**: English
- **Production Company**: Python (UK)
- **Distributor**: Warner Bros.
- **Music by**: John Du Prez
- **Cinematography**: David Watkin
- **Editing**: Terry Jones
- **Production Design**: Tony Burrough
- **Costume Design**: Jenny Beavan
- **Art Direction**: Tony Burrough
- **Sound Design**: Richard Digby
- **Special Effects**: Derek Meddings
- **Visual Effects**: Derek Meddings
- **Cast Includes**: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin
- **Wikipedia Title**: Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
- **Sitelink Count**: 37 (Wikipedia language editions)

## FAQs
**What is the genre of *Monty Python's The Meaning of Life*?**
The film is classified as a musical film and a comedy film, reflecting its blend of humor, song, and philosophical themes. It continues Monty Python's tradition of subverting conventional storytelling through surreal and absurdist elements.

**Who directed *Monty Python's The Meaning of Life*?**
The film was directed by Terry Jones, a founding member of Monty Python and a key figure in the group's theatrical and filmic works. His direction brought a distinctive style of humor and narrative experimentation to the project.

**What awards did *Monty Python's The Meaning of Life* receive?**
The film won the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix, recognizing its innovative approach to filmmaking and its contribution to the genre of comedy and satire.

**What is the runtime of *Monty Python's The Meaning of Life*?**
The film has a runtime of 95 minutes, balancing its blend of humor, music, and philosophical reflection. This length allows for a comprehensive exploration of its themes without feeling overly long.

**Who are the main cast members of *Monty Python's The Meaning of Life*?**
The film features Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, all founding members of Monty Python. Their collective talent and comedic chemistry drive the film's success.

## Why It Matters
*Monty Python's The Meaning of Life* is significant as the final installment in Monty Python's trilogy of theatrical works, continuing the group's legacy of subverting conventional storytelling. The film explores existential questions through absurdist humor and satirical commentary, offering a unique perspective on life's meaning. Its innovative approach to filmmaking and its blend of comedy, music, and philosophy have influenced subsequent works in the genre. The film's success at the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix further cemented its status as a groundbreaking work in comedy and satire. By challenging conventional narratives and encouraging viewers to question their own assumptions, *Monty Python's The Meaning of Life* remains a timeless and relevant contribution to the world of film.

## Notable For
- **Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix Winner**: The film's innovative approach to comedy and satire earned it the prestigious Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix.
- **Final Monty Python Trilogy Film**: It concluded the group's trilogy of theatrical works, showcasing their unique blend of humor and philosophy.
- **Absurdist Humor and Satire**: The film's subversion of conventional storytelling and its exploration of existential questions set it apart from other comedic works.
- **Innovative Film Technique**: Its use of surreal imagery, musical interludes, and philosophical musings distinguished it from traditional comedies.
- **Cultural Impact**: The film's themes and humor have resonated with audiences worldwide, contributing to its lasting cultural influence.

## Body

### Core Definition and Context
*Monty Python's The Meaning of Life* is a 1983 film directed by Terry Jones, the final installment in Monty Python's trilogy of theatrical works. It blends absurdist humor, philosophical musings, and satirical commentary on life's existential questions. The film continues the group's tradition of subverting conventional storytelling, using surreal imagery, musical interludes, and philosophical themes to explore the meaning of life.

### Production and Release
The film was produced by Python (UK) and distributed by Warner Bros. It premiered on August 26, 1983, and had additional publication dates on January 1, 1983; March 31, 1983; and July 7, 1983. The film's runtime is 95 minutes, balancing its blend of humor, music, and philosophical reflection. It was shot in English and features a cast of founding Monty Python members, including Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.

### Creative Team
The film's creative team includes:
- **Director**: Terry Jones
- **Music by**: John Du Prez
- **Cinematography**: David Watkin
- **Editing**: Terry Jones
- **Production Design**: Tony Burrough
- **Costume Design**: Jenny Beavan
- **Art Direction**: Tony Burrough
- **Sound Design**: Richard Digby
- **Special Effects**: Derek Meddings
- **Visual Effects**: Derek Meddings

### Awards and Recognition
The film won the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix, recognizing its innovative approach to filmmaking and its contribution to the genre of comedy and satire. It has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 86% and a Metacritic score of 7.3/10, indicating strong critical reception.

### Box Office Performance
The film grossed $42,700,000 worldwide and $14,929,552 domestically, reflecting its commercial success and cultural impact. Its box office performance contributed to its status as a significant work in the comedy and satire genre.

### Related Works
The film follows *Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl* (1982), another theatrical work by Monty Python. It is an instance of the film genre and has been recognized in various Wikipedia language editions, with a sitelink count of 37.

### Technical Identifiers
The film has numerous technical identifiers, including:
- **IMDb ID**: tt0085959
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 86%
- **Metacritic Score**: 7.3/10
- **Box Office Gross**: $42,700,000 (worldwide), $14,929,552 (domestic)
- **Runtime**: 95 minutes
- **Language**: English
- **Production Company**: Python (UK)
- **Distributor**: Warner Bros.
- **Music by**: John Du Prez
- **Cinematography**: David Watkin
- **Editing**: Terry Jones
- **Production Design**: Tony Burrough
- **Costume Design**: Jenny Beavan
- **Art Direction**: Tony Burrough
- **Sound Design**: Richard Digby
- **Special Effects**: Derek Meddings
- **Visual Effects**: Derek Meddings
- **Cast Includes**: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin
- **Wikipedia Title**: Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
- **Sitelink Count**: 37 (Wikipedia language editions)

### Cultural and Historical Significance
*Monty Python's The Meaning of Life* is notable for its exploration of existential questions through absurdist humor and satirical commentary. Its innovative approach to filmmaking and its blend of comedy, music, and philosophy have influenced subsequent works in the genre. The film's success at the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix further cemented its status as a groundbreaking work in comedy and satire. By challenging conventional narratives and encouraging viewers to question their own assumptions, *Monty Python's The Meaning of Life* remains a timeless and relevant contribution to the world of film.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. Letterboxd
3. The Movie Database
4. [Monty Python's The Meaning of Life. Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/monty_pythons_the_meaning_of_life)
5. [Source](https://www.zweitausendeins.de/filmlexikon/?sucheNach=titel&wert=31135)
6. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085959/releaseinfo/)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085959/parentalguide/#certificates)
9. Google Knowledge Graph
10. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085959/technical/)
11. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0085959/)
12. Kinopoisk
13. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/monty-python-s-the-meaning-of-life/)
14. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
15. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
16. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/57482)
17. Cineplex
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19. Bechdel Test Movie List
20. mymovies.it
21. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/9378-EC18-6EF3-A247-8111-K)
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24. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/91454)
25. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/81247)
26. Trakt.tv
27. FilmVandaag.nl