Brazil

 

Moviedrome Introduction

Film Details

Release Date: 1985

Director: Terry Gilliam

Stars:

Jonathan Pryce as Sam Lowry

Robert De Niro as Harry Tuttle
Kim Greist as Jill Layton

Plot Summary

Set in a retro-futuristic world dominated by a bloated and oppressive bureaucracy, Brazil follows Sam Lowry as he navigates a maze of paperwork, surveillance, and mindless conformity. When a clerical error leads to the wrongful arrest and death of an innocent man (Buttle instead of Tuttle), Sam’s life begins to unravel.

In his quest to correct the mistake, Sam crosses paths with Jill Layton, the woman from his dreams. As he tries to protect her from the state’s wrath, Sam is pulled deeper into a surreal world where dream and reality blur. His rebellion against the system is both romantic and futile, culminating in a hauntingly ambiguous ending.

Personal History

Aware of the film but certainly never seen it. It would have taken more courage to re-watch it.

Current Review

It certainly has style. Every set and frame has been considered for peak Gilliam tomfoolery. And packed with ideas.

For me, its just too long. Too surreal. Not my cup of tea at all.

Drama? Not really engaged enough.

Comedy? I probably laughed at the wrong places. Like Robert De Niro's ridiculous screwdriver. 

Tool

Silly accents? Aplenty.

Probably the most interesting way to spend the time is to look out for minor British TV Actors. Jim Broadbent. Nigel Planer (missed). The fella from 'Allo 'Allo.

The ending? I was in full on bored mode and had reached for my phone. 

Missed it.

Quirky Facts

The second in Terry Gilliam's "Trilogy of Imagination". The first was Time Bandits (1981), and the third was The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988). All three movies are about escapes from an awkward, ordered society, seen through the eyes of a child, a man in his thirties, and an elderly man.

An early title for this movie was "1984 and ½", a clear reference to George Orwell's dystopian novel '1984' spoofed in this movie, and an homage to Federico Fellini and 8½ (1963). However, then 1984 (1984) was released, and the idea was scrapped, as there would have been legal trouble with the Orwell estate.

Quotes

Sam Lowry: Excuse me, Dawson, can you put me through to Mr. Helpmann's office?
Dawson: I'm afraid I can't sir. You have to go through the proper channels.
Sam Lowry: And you can't tell me what the proper channels are, because that's classified information?
Dawson: I'm glad to see the Ministry's continuing its tradition of recruiting the brightest and best, sir.
Sam Lowry: Thank you, Dawson.

Arresting Officer: This is your receipt for your husband... and this is my receipt for your receipt.

Future Inspiration

The TV Adaption of Time Bandits is in my To Be Watched Pile and I reallly need to make the most of the Apple Subscription.

In a nice bit of synchronicity, AI also recommends Severance. Also on Apple.