The Zero Theorem: Venice Review (THR):
The Bottom Line: Terry Gilliam comically grapples for the meaning of life without getting very close.
Venue: Venice Film Festival (competition), Sept. 2, 2013
Cast: Christoph Waltz, David Thewlis, Melanie Thierry, Lucas Hedges, Tilda Swinton
Christoph Waltz, Matt Damon and Tilda Swinton mischievously illuminate Terry Gilliam’s dark dystopian vision. Continue reading..
Venice Film Review: ‘The Zero Theorem’ from Variety, not so appreciative: Here’s a paradox: Everyone admires Terry Gilliam’s weeble-wobble determination to keep making films despite terrible bad luck, and yet the films themselves, even the ones with relatively misfortune-free production histories, are desperately hard to admire. A case in point is “The Zero Theorem,” a sci-fi confection that, at best, momentarily recalls the dystopian whimsy of the director’s best-loved effort, “Brazil,” but ends up dissolving into a muddle of unfunny jokes and half-baked ideas, all served up with that painful, herky-jerky Gilliam rhythm. Helmer’s die-hard fans will rally, but that probably won’t be enough to rescue this from niche obscurity.
The Zero Theorem: Venice 2013 – first look review (the Guardian): “Terry Gilliam’s junk-shop aesthetic clutters up this ramshackle take on existentialism, but its optimistic core is unwavering.”
From the pen of Terry Gilliam a statement:
“When I made Brazil in 1984, I was trying to paint a picture of the world I thought we were living in then. The Zero Theorem is a glimpse of the world I think we are living in now.
Pat Rushin’s script intrigued me with the many pertinent questions raised in his funny, philosophic, and touching tale.
For example: What gives meaning to our lives, brings us happiness? Can we ever find solitude in an increasingly connected, constricted world? Is that world under control or simply chaotic?
We’ve tried to make a film that is honest, funny, beautiful, smart and surprising; a simple film about a complex modern man waiting for a call to give meaning to his life; about inescapable relationships and the longing for love; peopled with captivating characters, mouthfuls of wise and witty dialogue; raising questions without offering easy answers. Hopefully, it’s unlike any film you have seen recently; no zombies, no caped crusaders, no aliens or gigantic explosions. Actually, I might have lied about that last item.
Having not worked with a budget this small for several decades, I was forced to work fast and instinctively, pressured only by the lack of time and money. We relied on the freedom to spin on a dime, to make outrageous creative leaps. The results surprised even me. I’m proud to have been part of The Zero Theorem.”
Terry Gilliam, through Collider
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