The Zero Theorem (2014)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  6 / 10

  The Zero Theorem questions the meaning of life but gets lost in its quirky style. At the time of this review, this is my first Gilliam film. Having heard how zany 'Brazil' and 'Twelve Monkeys' were, I thought to attempt one of his flicks. So the uninitiated has now become...initiated. And honestly I didn't know what to expect. A recluse computer genius is tasked with cracking The Zero Theorem, a theory set out to prove the meaning of life. "Zero must equal 100%", a line of dialogue that is often referred to throughout the runtime of this zany sci-fi flick. Conceptualising the idea that everything is nothing, Gilliam bravely thematically questions why we live and what purpose we have in the grand scheme of things. Unfortunately though, the themes are sacrificed to make way for his trademark quirks. The flamboyant set designs, vibrant costumes and dystopian production enhances the aesthetic appeal that most Gilliam fans desire. It harks back to classic 80s sci-fi whilst implementing modernised technologies including virtual reality and mathematical equations attached to cubes within a computer simulation that amalgamate to make an impossible theorem. The program that contains the formulae was strangely hypnotising, following floating cubes in a cubic infrastructure was a rather weird experience. Reminded me of a Windows 98 screensaver. The acting was fantastic all round, particularly Waltz who's central performance deftly carries the whole film. Swinton performs a rap song by the way, that's more than enough reasoning to go out and watch this. I appreciated the subtle comedic undertone that the narrative upholds, however beneath the authentic aesthetics is a fictionalised idea that gets lost. It's muddled and unfortunately lacks clarity. The last ten minutes will leave you wondering "what the heck is going on right now?" as you admire Waltz's committed performance. Social themes of loneliness and stress, whilst are casually explored, aren't put to use to develop the characters further. The Zero Theorem certainly isn't getting a zero from me, but it's style over substance.

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