The first poster for director Terry Gilliam’s new film The Zero Theorem has arrived, along with a statement from the director.  For those who are unfamiliar with the film, it stars Christoph Waltz as Qohen Leth, a computer hacker who searches for the meaning of life while being distracted by Management (Matt Damon in a minor role), a shadowy figure from an Orwellian corporation.  In addition to the poster, Gilliam has also released a “director’s statement” about the film, which is essentially a spoiler-free synopsis written by the filmmaker in which he promises “no zombies, no caped crusaders or alien spacecraft.”

Hit the jump to check out the poster and director’s statement.  The film also stars David Thewlis, Tilda Swinton, Melanie Thierry, Lucas Hedges, Ben Whishaw, and Peter StormareThe Zero Theorem will debut at the Venice Film Festival this fall and will hit theaters sometime in 2014.

Via The Film Stage.

the-zero-theorem-poster

Here’s the director’s statement for The Zero Theorem:

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