What I’m Watching
Brazil – (1985. Directed by Terry Gilliam. Starring Jonathan Pryce)
It’s extremely difficult to put this film into words. From the twisted mind of former Python Terry Gilliam, comes his 3rd solo directorial movie. Set in a futuristic anti-utopia, a central government entity, aptly named ‘Central Services’ controls every aspect of society…badly. In this inept government corporation is low level employee Sam Lowry (Pryce) who, while frustrated in his work and life, has incredible dreams of his “dream woman” in fantastical fantasy sequences. This is the sort of film that is near impossible to give a plot summary. It is a great movie, don’t get me wrong. The backhanded satirical message that it delivers is true and pertinent, especially now. Visually this movie is remarkable and very Gilliamesque. As a Terry G. fan, from his beginnings as a cut-out animator on Monty Python’s Flying Circus to his stark visual fantasy films, this movie is true to his nature. The special effects are boss, especially for the year. I love the anti-utopia set. The buildings, devices, and people are so extreme. My favourite scenes were the dream sequences. My best description for these scenes would be part Salvadore Dali surrealism painting and part insane acid trip. Robert Di Nero makes an appearance in the film also playing wanted terrorist/freelance air conditioner repairman Harry Tuttle. Michael Palin, former Monty Python member and my number one celebrity crush also appears as Lowry’s friend and Information Retrieval torturer. It’s quite the dark comedy/satire/psychological sci-fi flick that spits in the face of a totalitarian bureaucracy. And not to worry, it has some great slapstick humor moments of a pythonesque nature. Be advised though, this is not the kind of movie you can casually watch and leave to go grab a snack or take a pee. The story is madness and a lot of chaos ensues, so don’t get lost! It’s a crazy cool film worth a watch!
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