The Zero Theorem – Film Review
Director: Terry Gilliam
Starring: Christoph Waltz, Mèlanie Thierry, David Thewlis, Lucas Hedges, Matt Damon and Tilda Swinton
Release Date: Mar 14
Qohen Leth (Christoph Waltz), a lonesome and troubled computer hacker, is hired to solve the Zero Theorem, in order to prove that all existence and life is without meaning and doomed to nothingness.
Amidst all the distractions and overwhelming media of an over-saturated future, Qohen awaits a single phone call that he believes will inform him of the meaning of life in The Zero Theorem, written by Pat Rushin and directed by Terry Gilliam.
It’s always exciting when a new film comes from the iconic director Terry Gilliam.
Unfortunately what crosses a lot of people’s minds is what may have gone wrong during the making of the film, as Gilliam has had a track record of unlucky and sometimes disastrous productions. But it would seem, aside from a limited budget and your typical filming difficulties, that The Zero Theorem was a successful production, and it shows in the end result.
The Zero Theorem is a wonderfully immersive watch and a testament to Gilliam’s way with visuals. The world that we’re pulled into is a cleverly convoluted one, cluttered and overly colourful with advertisements, sub-cultures and notices upon notices.
It is a future that we can comprehend with the modern world being more and more exposed to technology and information. Also, The Zero Theorem is a film that proves Terry Gilliam is a director whose ideas and perspective is still relevant in the 21st Century.
An added treat is the minimal reliance on CGI and other post production effects, and there are even moments in which there are extras far in the distance, seemingly carrying out their own scenes, seperate to the main narrative.
Christoph Waltz is wonderful in the lead role and his surrounding cast do not disappoint either. Melanie Thierry fits perfectly into the offbeat sensibility of the film and the recurring appearances of David Thewlis, Tilda Swinton and Matt Damon.
It’s Matt Damon in particular who gives a brief, but very humorous presence as the character simply known as Management, and I think his costume designer deserves some recognition too. Lucas Hedges’ appearance as Bob, Management’s son, stands out as a somewhat quirky and charismatic role.
The only real problem with The Zero Theorem is its story structure. Similar to other Gilliam films, the focus on the visuals, the details and the overall atmosphere of the film, detracts from the film having a strong focused narrative.
Ultimately all the essential information is included and so the experience isn’t confusing, but the turning points feel adrift from one another. This has happened with previous Gilliam films like Time Bandits, Tideland and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (forgivable in the last case) all of which are still unique and smart movies.
It’s hard not to consider Gilliam’s other films in reviewing this and the truth is, The Zero Theorem feels very much like business as usual. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s hard to recommend this film to anyone who simply is uninitiated.
As a fan, there’s also always the possibility that I’m being biased, but there is something to be said about the great sense of whimsy and tragedy that Terry Gilliam relates in his films, when they’re at their best and The Zero Theorem is no exception.
So, The Zero Theorem is a smart, immersive and very visually pleasing film, worthy of the catalogue of its director’s work.
With its structural issues, it may not be his best, but it’s far from his worst and an engaging and worthwhile watch.
Score: 4/5
Written by Sèamus Hanly
