Terry Gilliam has been searching for the meaning of life since his Monty Python days, and it's generally an important of part of all of his films, including "Brazil" and "The Fisher King," and his new film, "The Zero Theorem." It's typical Gilliam with his fantastical style on display, and its non-linear narrative unfocused and a little all over the place. The film stars Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz (with a shaved head and eyebrows) as Qohen Leth, an eccentric and reclusive computer genius working on a formula whether life holds any meaning. In this particular discovery of life, Gilliam and his A-list cast will have you watching for sure, even if you quite grasp all he has to say. The most memorable part of "Zero Theorem," as with most Gilliam's movies, the, colorful spectacle of it all: the anazing sets, gadgetry, makeup and production values are bizarre but first-rate, not to mention a strong cast, with Waltz's believable turn as the plural-talking recluse and computer programmer the film's highlight. David Thewlis also has fun as a joyful, talky co-worker, French actress Melanie Thierry is quite charming as the femme fatale, the always, wonderfully odd Tilda Swinton, and under a blonde wig, Matt Damon as "The Management." Yet, as with most of Gilliam's efforts, "The Zero Theorem," once you strip away its facade, has little left except an uneven, muddled script from first-screenwriter Pat Rushin that seems to grasping for straws as much as Waltz's character is searching for the meaning in and behind life, and the result is a seemingly underlying sadness that may leave you empty. "The Zero Theorem" shows what an intriguing filmmaker Gilliam has always been, even if you don't always understand his fascinating with the search for the meaning of life. At least it's a fun search to watch.
Wes's Grade: C+
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