Review of The Zero Theorem (2013) by Stuart K — 30 Apr 2014
Terry Gilliam is back!! Returning to the world of sci-fi after Brazil (1985) and Twelve Monkeys (1995)), this is an existential sci-fi drama, which happens to be Gilliam's cheapest film in years, and shot in a meagre 37 days.
This is Gilliam's tightest yet most inventive film in years, it has some brilliant performances throughout and Gilliam is able to create visual beauty with his limited resources. Set in London somewhere in the 21st Century, computer genius Qohen Leth (Christoph Waltz) works for information gathering company Mancom, but he's been waiting for a call, and would rather stay at home so he can get this call.
Mancom's Management (Matt Damon), allows this to happen, asking Qohen if he can use his time at home to solve solve a mathematical formula known as The Zero Theorem, a mathematical formula, which shows that life has no purpose.
Should be easy, but Qohen is distracted by the seductive Bainsley (Mélanie Thierry), teenage computer geek Bob (Lucas Hedges) and online psychiatrist Dr. Shrink-Rom (Tilda Swinton). It truly is an amazing film to watch, as there's a lot going on, even in the quiet scenes, there's always something going on, but this shows that Gilliam can make great art even when he has no money to work with.
It proves he's brilliant with actors, and can make thoughtful, intelligent films. Simply impossible to forget.
This review of The Zero Theorem (2013) was written by Stuart K on 30 Apr 2014.
The Zero Theorem has generally received mixed reviews.
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