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Quickie Review - The Zero Theorem

Terry Gilliam is an absolute genius. His work, like most geniuses, is very erratic. While some find Monty Python's humor out of their range, his visual sense was evident from early on, especially with The Meaning of Life, one of their more ridiculous movies. He later went on to direct the critically acclaimed Brazil, which in some ways changed the way filmmakers looked at storytelling. Gilliam, for all his faults, was always ten steps ahead. For many though, my younger self included, the gimmicks get distracting. In The Zero Theorem, they are anything but. They are in fact a key character in the film. The distraction is the point in the Zero Theorem and to be honest, it took me a while to figure this out.

What separates TZT to me, is that it is so superbly acted, that it needs no distractions. It could be a play and might very well be as powerful. Maybe with nothing more than a blank computer screen. Thankfully, it isn't and we are treated to a feast for the eyes and ears. Christopher Waltz is about as hot as an actor can be. He has two supporting actor Oscars in the last five years and his performance in the first 15 minutes of Inglorious Basterds, almost makes up for what a mess of a movie it becomes after. While I'd argue he was the lead actor in Django Unchained, he deservedly beat out some big names for his second award. This year, he wasn't even nominated and it's a shame, because he was that good. The co-stars are led by David Thewlis & young Lucas Hedges, who are so perfect in every second they are on screen, it's frightening. Matt Damon is solid and his casting seems almost a parody of his own stature in Hollywood. Someone unknown to me, is Melanie Thierry, who aside from being absolutely stunning plays her complex role to a tee. Oh yeah and Peter Stromare and some lady named Tilda Swinton also add some punch.

As always, to tell you what it's about and what it means would ruin the fun. But as you're watching it, look down and tell me what you see around you, then glance back at the screen. Then you'll get it fully. A brilliant piece of film making that needs to be recognized.

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