Brazil - The Criterion Collection - (1985)

1984 1/2

Terry Gilliam says that the working title for what became "Brazil" was "1984 1/2," a funny reference to the fact that the film was inspired by Orwell's 1984. Although Gilliam claims that he never actually read the novel, it's hard to take him seriously. "Brazil" has the same drab, grimy, proletarian feel that the novel exudes; everyday life is relentlessly monitored by shadowy powers-that-be (the visual metaphor of the ever-present ductwork gestures at this); terrorism is a fact of life; everyone is considered a potential enemy of the state; and the protagonist Sam Lowry, like his Orwellian counterpart Winston Smith, initially accepts the social order, then rebels against it because he's fallen in love, and finally is defeated by it.

On one level, then, there's nothing surprising about the overall dystopian structure that Gilliam creates. It's already all in Orwell. Moreover, like Orwell's 1984, the film is overlong and the plot tends to shred in places.

What makes this film well worth seeing, however, is in part what makes Orwell's novel worth reading: the characters. Gilliam presents us with some unforgettable ones, and the actors who bring them to life for the most part do a wonderful job. For my money, Ian Holms tops the list as the nervous-nelly bureaucrat Mr. Kurtzmann (I wonder if his name is an allusion to Joseph Conrad's Kurtz?). Bob Hoskins is also excellent as Spoor, the hilarious and horrible engineer, and Michael Palin puts in an admirable performance as the rather matter-of-fact torturer Jack Lint. Ian Richardson and Jim Broadbent do their minor roles proud. Robert de Niro, on the other hand, is wooden as the terrorist Tuttle (he doesn't really come into his own as a comedic actor until "Meet the Parents"), and Kim Greist as Jill Layton is horrible. Jonathan Pryce as Sam Lowry has his good moments, but his performance, probably because the script begins to unravel toward the end of the film, becomes predictable.

The other thing that makes the film worth watching is its sheer visual beauty. Gilliam creates sets that lodge in one's memory, sometimes because they're so vividly larger than life (Sam's duels with the mechanical samurai warrior), sometimes because they so harmoniously marry bright colors with dystopian squalor and drabness (the restaurant scene, for example, or the opening scene in the Buttle household).

Definitely a film worth watching. Not a great film, but a good one. three and one-half stars. June 29, 2008

"1984" Meets "Brave New World"

Brazil is not a crowd-pleaser to rent on video night with your friends. It is not a date movie, an action flick to watch with the boys, or any other genre of film you'll see multiple copies of at the local Blockbuster.

So, what is it? Brazil is vision of a chilling future, and many compare it with Orwell's classic "1984". Jackbooted security police, institutionalized systematic torture, and other grim motives appear throughout the story, so this is understandable. However, instead of sheer Orwellian oppression, Writer/Director Terry Gilliam has mixed in Huxleyan elements reminiscent of "Brave New World". Worker drones appear busy when the boss is watching but spend the rest of their time glued to old Western TV reruns on their computer screens. Most characters appear content to live within the system and accept their lot in life. They can shop and dine to their hearts' content (as long as they order by the numbers on the menus and do as they are told).

Gilliam introduces a character who is not satisfied with the status quo. He skewers bureaucratic inefficiency and irrationality, sending his lost hero through a maze of jobs and situations that increase his desperation to find love and meaning in life. The viewer is left to judge whether it would have been better for him to have stayed as he was instead of giving way to his romantic dreams.

My wife, who usually doesn't like my DVD choices (e.g. Being There), sat with me through the whole movie and actually enjoyed it. That makes me think "Brazil" isn't an inaccessible, artsy film but simply an odd one with dark humor. I consider it a classic and a great addition to my DVD collection. Criterion did an excellent job in both video and audio quality (at least as far as I can tell on my 720p plasma and basic Onkyo home theater system). June 10, 2008

Great, but...

So Brazil is one of the greatest social commentary films that exists, and Terry Gilliam really stood by his creation with beautiful imagery and some fun dialog.

Here is the kicker though: Spend the cash and get the triple disc Criterion Collection edition of this film. The special features are amazing and the third disc has the edited version that the production company wanted to release. The beauty is that you can really see the big difference and how editing can make a HUGE impact on the telling of a story and the meaning of a film. June 5, 2008

Great flick, I think...

I've always liked this movie. It's been probably ten years since I last watched it. The Criterion Collection version adds some new (edited out) scenes, but they flow so well into the movie that I can't say for sure that I caught them all. I've probably watched this movie ten times and I still can't say for sure that I know what happens to Sam Lowry (and more importantly, when). This is one of those rare movies that makes you want to watch it over and over to figure it out. And then you marvel at the creativity and wonder why it is that so many other movies are milquetoast in comparison. It also helps me poke fun at my government job, even if I do like what I do. April 21, 2008

Compelling and ecentric, but far from perfect...

In Terry Gilliam's Brazil, you're taken along a daunting adventure of wonder and curiousity as Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce) an average pencil pusher begins to reach above his own limits. Now when waching this film you experience laughs, feelings of confusion and even a little anger. And while most films offer a simple approach to storytelling, Brazil is ambiguous about its goals (if there is one) and an overall point. With a stellar production value, a flawless cast, great vision and sound, the only part lacking is the purpose. What is Brazil?

From the beginning, we're introduced to a future without morality, seeking order through paperwork and systematic procedures. Then viewers are welcomed into the life of an ordinary man dreaming of a better purpose of his own. As Sam Lowry, a bumbling oaf of a Don Quixote with a well endowed family, starts to realize how ridiculous life has become in this strange world. He constantly relinquishes himself to fantasizing about a lady in his dreams, where he also has strength and courage. Lowry, the cowardly lion, goes on a trip through society as an informations specialist against terrorism. As the real world is constantly bombed and the government trying to stop the threats while taking the innocent in for a process best titled as jail. Soon the woman of his dreams crosses his path and he's obsessed with finding her and becoming lovers. Except this society doesn't allow love because of the anal retentive procedures of everyday life since everything requires a form.

As Lowry tries to find the woman of his dreams, he's constantly slowed by bureaucracy, mistaken identity, and worse, his mother. Whom provides a great laugh to any viewer. However, as the film progresses it delves into an acid trip of relentless and unexplainable situations. Even after many viewings, the story just feels lacking. Because once he's at the end of this adventure, you're left wondering if the entire thing was just Lowry's insane dream.

Now it's easy to see why many people like the film, with actors Robert De Niro, Bob Hoskins, Ian Holm and many more injecting life into much of the story. Brazil just doesn't carry a strong purpose. Much like Koyaanisqatsi, the objective is the adventure, leaving it without much lasting power. This by no means demeans Brazil's tale, it's just tailored more for a nostalgic value than any theme or purpose.

Brazil is easily worth a few viewings but far from the classic longevity offered by Citizen Kane, Blade Runner, (the original) Metropolis and The Wizard of Oz. Most buyers of this expensive film probably like to justify their purchase by telling themselves it's great. But when held against high standards, it's a rollercoaster ride that leaves you waiting for the next.

Hope this helps.

Note: I would've rated it 3.5 stars if that were possible. April 21, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...