Review of The Zero Theorem (2013) by Robert H — 02 Sep 2014
THE ZERO THEOREM is pretty much what one would expect from Terry Gilliam, and for the most part it works. Gilliam is one of the most visually interesting directors working today, and his style is very dream-like, quirky and (occasionally) drug-influenced.
He also tackles some very existential and weighty themes about the meaning of life and whether or not there is an overall purpose to our existence. Still, the narrative does wander a bit in the middle and there is no grandiose revelation at the end, giving what the film seemed to building up to.
It was an adequate resolution, but not the one I was hoping for. Still, there is much to admire this film for, especially Gilliam fans. Christoph Waltz steals the show as the main character, Qohen Leth.
There are also excellent supporting turns by Melanie Thierry and David Thewlis. On top of that, there are a couple of cameos (one of them, blink and you'll miss it) that were pleasant to see, and which added depth to what was already an ambitious film.
In my opinion, this isn't Terry Gilliam's greatest work, but it does remind me of BRAZIL which isn't the worst comparison to have (by far). Terry Gilliam fans should definitely enjoy it, but other open-minded viewers might find something to like in it as well.
This review of The Zero Theorem (2013) was written by Robert H on 02 Sep 2014.
The Zero Theorem has generally received mixed reviews.
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