The Zero Theorem (2014) - Terry Gilliam

Qohen Leth works as a computer analyst, breaking down complex models for Mancorp, a massive technology corporation.  Called in by his superior, Qohen is tasked with a new assignment - discover the reason for human existence.  As Qohen attempts to unlock the secret to humanity, he finds his work interruped by a brilliant teenager and a beautiful young woman who begins to distract him.  Terry Gilliam's The Zero Theorem is a complex film that is full of fascinating ideas, but unfortunately the film never quite becomes the sum of its thought-provoking parts.  Full of Gilliam's typical trademarks - overbearing technolgy, instiutional paranoa, stream of concious realities, and quirkiness, The Zero Theorem feels very much like one of his films, though some ideas work far better than others.  I believe The Zero Theorem could have benefitied greatly by spending more time defining the world Qohen lives in, capturing the oppresive nature of technology and the current state of humanity.  In not doing this, I found myself lost early on in the film, struggling to attach myself to the story and main protagonist.  As one would expect, the production and art design of The Zero Theorem is very impressive, creating a technology-heavy big-brother type world that is equal parts beautiful and terrifying.   Gilliam's commentary on technologies relationship with humanity and how they are conflicting forces by nature is by far the most compelling, with Qohen being a man whose lost almost all semblance of what is means to be human, whether he realizes it or not.  Terry Gilliam's The Zero Theorem is not the triumphant return of the filmmaker some are expecting but I'd much rather watch a filmmaker attempt to do something different and unique even if it never becomes completely cohesive.

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