Prior to the international unveiling of The Zero Theorem at the Venice Film Festival, Director Terry Gilliam wanted to say a few things regarding making this film. Unfortunately, before he was done, somebody leaked the unfinished statement. Gilliam wanted another shot at explaining, so here you go, Gilliam’s finished statement:
When I made Brazil in 1984, I was trying to paint a picture of the world I thought we were living in then. The Zero Theorem is a glimpse of the world I think we are living in now.
Pat Rushin’s script intrigued me with the many pertinent questions raised in his funny, philosophic, and touching tale.
For example: What gives meaning to our lives, brings us happiness? Can we ever find solitude in an increasingly connected, constricted world? Is that world under control or simply chaotic?
We’ve tried to make a film that is honest, funny, beautiful, smart and surprising; a simple film about a complex modern man waiting for a call to give meaning to his life; about inescapable relationships and the longing for love; peopled with captivating characters, mouthfuls of wise and witty dialogue; raising questions without offering easy answers. Hopefully, it’s unlike any film you have seen recently; no zombies, no caped crusaders, no aliens or gigantic explosions. Actually, I might have lied about that last item.
Having not worked with a budget this small for several decades, I was forced to work fast and instinctively, pressured only by the lack of time and money. We relied on the freedom to spin on a dime, to make outrageous creative leaps. The results surprised even me. I’m proud to have been part of The Zero Theorem.
Terry Gilliam
Related Story: The Zero Theorem at Comic-Con 2013
