The Zero Theorem

THE ZERO THEOREM is not for all tastes. And I can certainly understand why some would say they did not like the movie because it is just too unusual, too strange, or too long. But, to say the movie is one thing when it is completely the opposite is nothing more than the reviewer (or said person of 'opinion') taking an unintended look at themselves in the "proverbial mirror."And if you think about it a particular "one word" (1 star) critique is a simple reflection of that person.The Zero Theorem is 'nothing' more than a great big (vicious) Circle. Kind of a punchline in search of a theory - or theorem - itself."The 'Zip T' sapped the soul right outta' me..."Be careful what you dwell on (or wish for)But, fans of Terry Gilliam (Monty Python fame) should like this, especially, if they liked Brazil. Very similar in theme. Yet, they are different in mood. ZERO is actually sillier; somewhat cartoon-ish.Brazil is more a satire of Bureaucracies, Class, and Power. People as 'expendable' numbers.THE ZERO THEOREM is more about the loss of soul. Commercialism. Lots of technologically advanced(?) advancing commercialism. There is a lot being sold here but at what cost?Something very simple is missing in society; and for "Q" (Qohen, Christoph Waltz) in particular.Yes it is very simple, actually, by the end of THE ZERO THEOREM the viewer has been left in a Cyber Space. Is it real? Is it happiness? Is it real happiness? Does it matter for "Q"?It's all in the perception, man, pure and simple perception.

First off, The Zero Theorem is from the mind of Terry Gilliam so be prepared for a trip to the land of the weird. Some are calling this the final chapter in “The Brazil Trilogy” which started with Brazil and was followed by 12 Monkeys.Protagonist Qohen Leth is a programmer who always refers to himself in the plural and works for a company called Mancom. He is assumed to be genius but quite insane. He is always waiting for a phone call that will set all things right and explain the purpose of his life.Qohen is assigned to solve the “Zero Theorem” a mysterious mathematical conundrum which will eventually prove that life is meaningless. This task has been the cause of previous programmers to lose their minds. The beautiful Bainsley appears and they have a relationship via VR.The story is secondary to the vast visual spectra that defines this film; from black holes to idyllic beach settings. It is almost imperative to watch this film twice: once for the pictorial phenomenon and another time to regard the story line. Not everyone will appreciate this movie but for fans of Science Fiction generally and Terry Gilliam in particular, you are in for a treat.

As always, Terry Gilliam brings a meaningful, philosophical, grown up fairy tale to 'us'. And in the same way that, what we normally call, fairy tales help children learn, grow, and think, we are led along the more mature versions of those acts; to re-evaluate, evolve, and transcend. Sure he has been a source of belly laughs (remember the very instant you realized the knights horses were being simulated by coconut shells) but many more times he has been inspirational and a source of strength... Maybe the ridiculously insane things we all daydream, maybe the leftist view of life MOST of us share, that is to say, seeing the absurdity of this dilettantish world, the one that really exists, with all its 'money to be made' premise... well, just that it isn't cause to go insane; because there are others out there who see it like we do... for the load of horse manure it pretty much is. Terry's visions are absurd; true, but the world is so twisted that it isn't hard to squint, just a little, and achieve suspension of disbelief... scary and sad as that is.

5 Stars because I found this refreshing as far as the movement, busyness of the environment, and the great acting the cast did to give this director have a chance to get this story to work. Lots of color and activity as the storyline moves along. You have a main character that you discover has an issue that you do not quite follow/understand at the very beginning. It takes a bit for you to assemble what is going on. A corporate leader (who is the master of all who work for him) is focused to solve his one business problem (at the moment) being the Zero Theorem so he can exploit/manipulate all his customers, but he still needs the answer 1st.The three supporting actors introduced do a great job of being involved with the main character. Each delivering the key instigators manipulation in a different way, two discovering something about themselves from that experience, one modifying a device that in the end, will give the main character an opportunity to either find his answer, create his own from what he learned from a supporting actor, or be stuck elsewhere. Everyone is under the same thumb as this employee, everyone and everything is manipulated and the manipulated are manipulating the main character.Each supporting character has needs andthose needs are made public by the end, and it seems the main character brought this about. I enjoyed the movie and you need to relate things and follow them to get to the end. It is deep but (as far as I am concerned) not boring. As others have mentioned, the end does seem to come about without a clear resolve to everything that has happened. You do ask yourself, “What happened?” once or twice, maybe even “What is going on?”, but the acting, the imagery and the sound all play a part in how you see and understand the end of the whole movie. Listen for a voice at the end, remember an earlier scene where that voice came from, what did that voice tell the main character the 1st time they met, where were they? Then, you will understand how the main character comes to resolve of his question and peace of mind. A supporting actor manipulated something and wanted him to try it. That same actor sort of went our with the main character for a walk. Was that a good by have a nice trip moment with some sincerity? Put it all together and then you may see if the main character found what he was looking for. Deep, and I think worth my time. Thank you

It can be tricky being a Terry Gilliam fan. Some people will think he's one of the other Pythons. Some people will think he's British. Some people will think he's mad and some people will think you're mad. I grew up on his films. From Jabberwocky onwards I've always like what I've seen. There is always something fantastical to catch a hold of you. The Zero Theorem is not exception. The visuals are stunning, the performances are crooked and weird. The story is a little empty and lost in the translation to screen, but this is Gilliam. You rarely get the complete package. Instead something will stand out or engage with you and there is so much of that here. Yet another strange world to explore and still so many viewings to come.

Another superb intelligent thought provoking surreal nightmare of a movie from the sometimes patchy but always interesting Terry Gilliam of Monty Python fame.Along with Twelve Monkeys and Brazil it forms a loose trilogy of nightmarish near future dystopias with a superb central performance from Christopher Waltz.A definite five star must buy purchase.Very Highly Recommended.

This is a great film. It's Gilliam at his best, creating a visually striking world (production design and cinematography is just beautiful), populating it with engaging characters (Christoph Waltz is spectacular as Qohem Leth) and asking some big questions (about isolation, communication and the meaning of life).The Zero Theorem is funny, tragic and oddly-uplifting. It's very good and it's very Gilliam.

A very interesting, very Gillium, piece. Certainly had a Brazil esc distopianism about the setting. Visually interesting and a curious story and plot that leaves you still not quite certain you quite got all of it in the first watch.

As soon as this film started, I was hooked! Absolutely stunning visually ... loved it. One I can watch over and over.