The Zero Theorem (2013) review

               The production design and camera work screamed Terry Gilliam. For me that is certainly a good thing. Gilliam’s distinct style is still refreshing after over three decades of making feature length films. This may speak to the staleness of voices in cinema but it’s hard to chastise studios for not taking chances on films with a unique voice after the less then lukewarm reception The Zero Theorem (2013) received in America. I couldn’t help but think of Cloud Atlas (2012) as I watched The Zero Theorem (2012) but not because of similarities the films share. After sharing the genre of science fiction the similarities end for the two films. The reason Cloud Atlas (2012) kept coming to mind was because of the tepid reception that film received as well. Both are science fiction films with epic and detailed production design and high minded ideas and themes. Despite the huge success of lighter science fiction films like Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and Star Wars (1977) hard science fiction is stagnant. J.J. Abrams re-boot of Star Trek (2009) is a great example of this paradigm. By taking much of the “Star Trek” out of Star Trek and adding more adventure elements he made the franchise more palatable to a wider audience. The Big Bang Theory Principle is in effect or the Inverse Simpsons’ principle. People feel smart when they watch dumb shows about smart people. The Simpsons will take seemingly dumb ideas and make intelligent points while the Big Bang Theory take smart concepts like physics and use them as plot points for stale sitcom high jinks.

                Even though some of the CGI was obvious it didn’t detract from the film because the CGI was still detailed and interesting to look at. Zero Theorem has plenty of Brazil (1985) DNA and I am certainly not the first one to mention this. In many ways The Zero Theorem (2013) is not just commenting on our culture or its direction but Z.T. is taking the social/political ideas of Brazil and expanding on those ideas with metaphysical/theological themes. The paradox of this film is its very blunt and loud with its message and themes and at the same time ambiguous. The production design is similar in this way. The future created is something we have seen before but because of the attention to detail there is so much to absorb from the costuming to props in the background.

                If your goal is to see a thought provoking film, with a great cast, and fine craftsmanship Terry Gilliam’s The Zero Theorem (2013) is the film for you. Sadly my previous sentence sends many movie goers running for the hills and I can’t blame them. When you have the stress and aggravation of kids, debt, etc. it’s nice to switch of your brain and watch Sly Stallone and his band of expendables blow up a small village in Eastern Europe. I am confident that Z.T. will find a new lease on life on DVD with high school and college students on hallucinogens.

3 out of 5 Python Feet.  RECOMMEND 
 by Jacob Cohen