Review of The Zero Theorem (2013) by Johnny T — 06 Aug 2014

There's much to like, from Waltz's performance to the typically rich production and costume design. It's anarchic, sometimes amusing, intermittently tedious, with ideas about digital alienation and the corruption of technology that too often feel blunt and tired. The Zero Theorem is an uneven endeavour that feels thematically outdated despite its futuristic setting. There's an odd kind of lifelessness to the film, despite the energetic paraphernalia and potentially high stakes that Gilliam conjures up for us to contemplate. With strong echoes of Brazil and some nice ideas, The Zero Theorem is a return to at least mid-level form for Terry Gilliam, thanks to a witty script, some delightful production design work and superb performances from Christoph Waltz and Melanie Thierry as they work tremendously well together, with the contrasting sexual repression and liberty of their characters providing a platform for laughter and resonance.

VERDICT: "In The Zone" - [Mixed Reaction] These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says buy an ex-rental or a cheap price of the DVD to own. If you consider cinema, ask for people's opinion on the film. (Films that are rated 2.5 or 3 stars).