Runtime of over 2hrs, too long

I have only seen the European 143minute cut several times and it really needed some tightening up. Apparently there is a 132min US release, which has an altered, more happy ending, which I don't think I would have liked as much; but at least it got trimmed by about 11mins. This still appears too long, and the film could have made more impact and had a more appealing momentum clocking in at around 2hrs or just under.

There was too much exposition of Sam going from one spot to the next, and some of the dialogue exchanges and sight gags could have been taken out without losing a sense of the films visual flair or themes. The film is an absurdist, bleak—also frighteningly providential in parts—blackly humorous look at the future. Some of the best comedies have a tighter reign on them. I feel Gilliam was being self-indulgent with his edit and perhaps felt afraid to waste some of the wonderful art-direction of the film. Thoughts!

Don't eat the whole ones! Those are for the guests. 🍪