Review of The Zero Theorem (2013) by Gordon F — 25 Sep 2014

The most disappointing Gilliam flic yet.

I had high hopes going into TZT given it's sci-fi dystopian premise but this movie fell flat on almost every level. It seems Gilliam insists on being outlandish for the sake of being outlandish here; the visuals and props just don't work, or amaze. It's like Gilliam is trying desperately to reproduce the feel of Brazil and 12 Monkeys, but his view of the future and technology is just too contrived and derivative to impress anyone even remotely considered a sci-fi fan or techie.

Utilmately the plot (if you can call it that) and premise of the movie just doesn't resonate and is not deep at all. There's no point in even going into detail as it gets summed up in a scene about mid-way in, and the whole thing feels cheapened afterwards.

The acting is decent at best. Waltz did an OK job but he just doesn't have the charisma or straight comedic chops of a Pryce, Willis or Robin Williams. He seems mis-cast to be honest. The rest of the supporting cast was unmemorable. Matt Damon was also terribly mis-cast here. Who's idea was it to put him in this movie?!?

The highlight of this film for me was Melanie Thierry -- a truly gorgeous thing who stole every scene due to her overflowing sex appeal. Getting to see her sans clothing made this movie somewhat bearable.