Viewed in
2007, 2012
Premise
Terry Gilliam's dystopian epic of a clerk whose world is turned upside down.
Format
DVD, HDTV
Liked
Trippy visuals, comedic performances, satirical insight.
Disliked
Cheap ending.
Thoughts
As expected, it was crazy ass weird. Gilliam filled the movie with funky camera angles and trippy fantastic imagery. Big ups to whoever built those jaw-dropping set designs.
Underneath/despite the off-kilter visuals, there was substance to go with the style. I very much enjoyed the darkly comedic performances from Sir Ian Holm, Robert DeNiro, Bob Hoskins, Michael Palin, and the late great Graham Chapman. Jonathan Pryce was perfectly cast as the desperate loser lead.
In addition, the story has some really sharp/still relevant/spookily prophetic barbs about inhumane metropolis, advertising overflow, burgeoning bureaucracy, oversized vehicles, cosmetic surgery, our reliance on complicated gadgets. Unironically, it correctly predicted flat screen televisions.
Upon second viewing, I was disappointed in the last act. It came off as a cop out, a cheap excuse to flood the feature with bizarre eye candy. Or I've become too wary of such types of twists.
I used to think Brazil was Terry Gilliam's best. Now, I'm leaning towards Twelve Monkeys. Nevertheless, for film buffs, this was still a must-see. Though one time may be enough.
