Film director and visionary Terry Gilliam recently celebrated a monumental milestone – five decades in the film industry – during a special Guardian Live event held at the prestigious Cadogan Hall in London.
The evening, which took place on Monday 24 November 2025, saw Gilliam in conversation with The Guardian’s associate film editor, Andrew Pulver. Together, they journeyed through the director's extraordinary life and prolific career, captivating the audience with stories from his unique cinematic universe.
From Holy Grail to Don Quixote: A Directorial Journey
The conversation naturally turned to Gilliam's directorial beginnings. This year marks a significant anniversary: 50 years since the release of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Gilliam discussed this landmark project, which he co-directed with fellow Python Terry Jones, exploring the challenges and triumphs of his first foray behind the camera.
The discussion also delved into one of Gilliam's most personal and long-gestating projects, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote. Pulver guided the audience through the film's tumultuous history, referencing the 2002 documentary Lost in La Mancha, which chronicled the project's initial, ill-fated production attempt.
A Python Reunion in the Audience
The celebratory event felt like a mini Monty Python reunion. The audience included several of Gilliam's former comrades, adding a layer of warmth and nostalgia to the evening.
John Cleese was spotted amongst the attendees, accompanied by his wife, there to honour his colleague's life's work. Similarly, another familiar face, the esteemed Michael Palin, was present, watching Gilliam's on-stage interview with clear appreciation.
Produced by Tanya Anastasiadis and Ruth White, the Guardian Live event successfully provided a fitting tribute to one of cinema's great imaginations. It was a night that honoured not just the films, but the indomitable spirit of the artist who made them.
