Terry Gilliam Challenge: The Zero Theorem

The Zero Theorem (Terry Gilliam, 2013)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Fantasy, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Philosophical

Terry Gilliam never fails to intrigue me. I love that he makes his viewers work to understand what's going on and as you figure things out it becomes a marvelous, surreal ride. Christoph Waltz is brilliant as the tortured-genius Qohen. And both Matt Damon's cameo as "Management" and Tilda Swinton's AI psychiatrist are ridiculous and perfect. I'd watch this again, for sure.

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The Post

The Post (Stephen Spielberg, 2017)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

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Politics, Journalism, Drama, Historical

What a fantastic achievement by Stephen Spielberg--and so very timely. It's still hard for me to believe how often history repeats itself. In my lifetime, it seems like we've consistently taken two steps forward and four steps back. Freedom of the press is absolutely vital. Especially in this era of information. We need to educate how to discern information and how to stand up for what is right. Films (and other art) like this help--they can make a difference. As the film poignantly states near the end of the film "from the majority opinion: 'In the First Amendment the Founding Fathers gave the free press the protection it must have to fulfill its essential role in our democracy. The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.'"

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Terry Gilliam Challenge: Time Bandits

Time Bandits (Terry Gilliam, 1981)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Fantasy, Adventure, Whimsical, Historical Fiction

Strangeness abounds in this adventure film. I loved the humor, surreal visuals, and plot devices. And the Monty Python-esque moments, of course. One reason why I've enjoy Terry Gilliam's films is because he likes to exist in the space between reality and dreams. So, as a viewer I am constantly asking myself, "Is this real or is this a dream?" And we never get an answer.

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Terry Gilliam Challenge

I love the film challenges. So, I've decided to do another one for this holiday season. But this time it isn't a genre. I've chosen to watch all Terry Gilliam films I haven't yet seen (and I might re-watch the other ones, too). So, here is a list of films to expect posts about over the next few months:

Time Bandits (1981)
The Fisher King (1991)
Twelve Monkeys (1995)
Tideland (2005)
The Zero Theorem (2013)
The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (2018)--once I can see it!



Possible Re-watches:
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Jabberwocky (1977)
Brazil (1985)
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
The Brothers Grimm (2005)
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)