The Zero Theorem (2013)

A hugely talented but socially isolated computer operator is tasked by Management to prove the Zero Theorem: that the universe ends as nothing, rendering life meaningless. But meaning is what he already craves.

Director:

Terry Gilliam

Writers:

Pat Rushin (screenplay), Terry Gilliam (additional dialogue)

Stars:

Christoph Waltz, Lucas Hedges, Mélanie Thierry

2 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christoph Waltz	...	Qohen Leth
Gwendoline Christie	...	Woman in a Street Commercial
Rupert Friend	...	Man in Street Commercial
Ray Cooper	...	Man in Street Commercial
Lily Cole	...	Woman in Street Commercial
David Thewlis	...	Joby
Sanjeev Bhaskar	...	Doctor
Peter Stormare	...	Doctor
Ben Whishaw	...	Doctor
Mélanie Thierry	...	Bainsley
Matt Damon	...	Management
Lucas Hedges	...	Bob
Margarita Doyle	...	Mancom Computerised Lips
Tilda Swinton	...	Dr. Shrink-Rom
Emil Hostina	...	Slim Clone

Storyline

A hugely talented but socially isolated computer operator is tasked by Management to prove the Zero Theorem: that the universe ends as nothing, rendering life meaningless. But meaning is what he already craves.

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Plot Keywords:

zero | computer | trippy | absurdism | reference to god | 

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Taglines:

Nothing is everything.

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Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some sexuality/nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

UK Romania France USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 August 2014 (USA)

Also Known As:

Zero Theorem

Filming Locations:

Bucharest, Romania

Box Office

Budget:

$8,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$83,803 (USA) (19 September 2014)

Gross:

$219,438 (USA) (3 October 2014)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Voltage Pictures, Zanuck Independent, Zephyr Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color Black and White (surveillance footage)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film's production budget used to be $20 million, when it was planned to shoot in London, UK. Later it was decided to move the production to Bucharest, Romania, and the movie finally could be made for only $8.5 million.

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Goofs

When Qohen is sitting at his computer naked, he is wearing flesh colored underwear.

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Quotes

Qohen Leth: Why would you want to prove that all is for nothing?
Management: I never said all is for nothing. I'm a businessman, Mr. Leth, nothing is for nothing. Ex inordinateo veni pecunia.
Qohen Leth: What?
Management: There's money in ordering disorder. Chaos pays, Mr. Leth.

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Crazy Credits

In memory of the great Richard D. Zanuck who kept the ball rolling.

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Connections

Referenced in The Sugarcube Critic: Mare in the Moon (2013)

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Soundtracks

Creep
Written by Thom Yorke
Performed by Karen Souza

User Reviews

A satisfying companion piece to Brazil

Christoph Waltz plays a troubled man in an oppressive, apparently pointless job in his corporate cubicle. As you'd expect from Gilliam, he explores this not with a bleak gray background, but a garish cartoony near-future world full of madness and humour. I suspect this choice won't be for everyone, as the first hour of the film is slightly over-the-top, particularly David Thewliss's David Brent-like supervisor

• though it's always entertaining. But by anchoring the film on Waltz,

who is able to show a mannered but more serious side than his Tarantino roles, Gilliam gains unexpected levels of gravitas as he explores themes of isolation in a connected world, constant surveillance and feelings of doom. This can be filed next to Brazil in tone, and is highly recommended for Gilliam fans as his most successful film for many years.