Review of The Zero Theorem (2013) by Matthew S — 16 May 2015

Christoph Waltz gives an excellent performance, but this is always expected. The film is full of ideas but most often it felt to me like the film was far to concerned to look and be as weird as possible.

So many odd gadgets and frantic acting from the supporting cast only causes the interesting aspects of Gilliam's film to be obscured. There is also the frustrating problem of Gilliam doing his best to make this movie look like a big blockbuster when it is not.

If only had focused more on the existential ideas around society, consumerism, technology, industry, paranoia, depression and ultimate question regarding the meaning of life. In the end Gilliam's film feels like it should be a satirical comedy -- but at its heart this is tragically sad film.

All the "madcap" madness and BRAZIL / TWELVE MONKEY references just get in the way and Waltz's talent is sadly wasted.