For a film that chronicles a world set in a futuristic fast lane, this sure did feel like a slow ride. I wanted to love this, I really did. On the surface, The Zero Theorem had all the ingredients to make a feast of a film: Terry Gilliam's wonderfully wacky vision acted out by the effortlessly brilliant Christoph Waltz is enough to make any movie fan hop to the cinema with the highest of expectations. Unfortunately I left the film feeling a little deflated and most definitely disappointed. Set in a dystopian hyper-future filled with speeding, talking billboards and iPad parties that are striking to watch, the film follows Qohen Leth (Waltz), a computer programmer whose goal it is to discover the meaning of human existence. Whilst the plot may seem familiar and overdone, it is an idea I have always found myself intrigued by. I can't be the only one who finds myself in the middle of an existential crisis at least once a month? Usually when i'm tired, overworked or drunk.
For The Zero Theorem, it is the plot that falls flat. The story and direction of the film is completely chaotic and difficult to get invested in. Whilst characters are played well, the actors behind them are not offered much to grasp onto and the film lacks a serious emotional depth. The one scene in which I found the most encouraging, a moment between Qohen and Bainsley (Mélanie Thierry) was short-lived and not enough to hold up the rest of the film. The movie also relies on some uncomfortable gender portrayals with hyper-sexualised female characters and scenarios that tread the fine line of becoming genuinely offensive.
Overall, The Zero Theorem is packed full of imagination with an abundance of production value but lacks the clarity to pull you into the onscreen experience. I spent a lot of the time bewildered and impatient rather than dazzled and engrossed. Or in other words, too much "eh?" and not enough "WOW!"
