The Zero Theorem- 2 Stars

Theatrical Release Poster

 The Zero Theorem is wacky and zany. It's problem is that it is too wacky and zany, I know that can actually happen. The Zero Theorem is Terry Gilliam's new film starring Christoph Waltz as Qohen Leth, a rather odd computer programmer who refers to himself as 'we', is tasked with cracking the code of whether life holds any meaning or not, the Zero Theorem. Now although Gilliam is probably known to most people from his work with Monty Python Gilliam has now become a serious film director (Brazil, 12 Monkeys) although he has kept his sense of humour.

 The Zero Theorem has numerous problems. One it is tonally confusing. This film could be really funny but it insists on being deadly serious at the same time which rather ruins the fun. The films second main error is focus. The film can be clearly divided into two halves. The first shows Qohen Leth's relationship with the prostitute Bainsley (played delightfully by Melanie Thierry and I'm not just saying that because she dances around in a very tight nurses outfit). The second shows Qohen's relationship with boy genius Bob the son of the all powerful Management (Matt Damon). Now the problem with this is that the relationships never really fully develop. In the first half there are hints that Bainsley has lost her father but this is never really followed up on. There is never really any explanation of her character or why she might fall in love with this very awkward computer programmer. Then in the second part we start to see a father son relationship develop between Leth and Bob. But again this comes to nothing really. Doesn't do anything for narrative or thematically. It feels like it's for nothing. 'Aha!' you (should) say. 'But isn't the whole point of the entire film that it is all for nothing' Yeah but that's just boring and rubbish. It can portray that theme without making the film really dead. The fact of the matter is that if everything is for nothing there is no tension and no excitement- no point in watching it or, at least no enjoyment watching it. The lack of focus is also shown by the fact that the Zero Theorem basically drops out of the film in the second half.

Christoph Waltz as Qohen Leth

The next criticism is that the film feels either too packed or not packed enough. What do I mean by that? Well I'm saying it's kind of half baked. Gilliam obviously wants to show the world of his imaginings in full but he just doesn't have the budget. This restricts us to only glimpsing images of the outside world. And the problem is those moments are the best. It's where Gilliam's talent as a visual artist shines through. But the with the budget restrictions we only see a little bit of the outside world and most of it is set in Leth's bizarre monastical house. This is frustrating as we are invited into this intriguing outside world and then shut out and dumped in Leth's house. The solution on Gilliam's budget would have been to have it all set in Leth's house. That sounds boring but in a world where you only have to connect yourself to a computer through a less organic version of the hairs in Avatar you can go anywhere from inside the house without having to spend money building street sets. This would also make the dream sequences a starker contrast and more engrossing because we would suddenly be experiencing something new. It would also reflect Leth's character- socially awkward and never going outside.

Melanie Thierry as Bainsley

Another criticism of the film is that it doesn't flow well as a narrative. At the end I was left thinking 'Is that the end or is there more?' This is partly due to its lack of build up to a climax. It kind of just happens. That makes for rather unsatisfying viewing. My final criticism of the film is the lack of any sense of paranoia created by the security cameras and constant surveillance that Leth is faced with. You kind of forget they're there which means when he dramatically destroys them it really means nothing at all. Again lacks any tension or engagement.

Ok so the film does have some good bits. If this film is anything to go by Melanie Thierry would make an excellent prostitute. Her performance is captivating and breathes life into the character and the film. If her character made sense it would have made her performance even better. Waltz is also fairly good as Leth. The film's main strength is its humour. It is genuinely funny. However, this is rather undermined by the poor characters and lack of a narrative really. There are also some nice visuals such as Jesus's head being replaced by a security camera representing the fact that Jesus has become 'the man' as it were- he has determined so many of societies laws through his teachings that he has become the representative of the establishment. The film does have serious points to make about the meaning of life but this is all rather lost in it all.

The Zero Theorem is a confusing film and certainly not one of Gilliam's best but it does still provide laughs and some food thought. Although, like many of Gilliam's this film is probably better after second watching and considerable thought, this is unlikely to be a classic.

Ratings: Entertainment: 4 Technical: 2 Intelligence: 3= 9/20 **




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