Terry Gilliam's Brazil (1985) is one of the most famous cinematic utopias - and for a good reason. Sam Lowry is a bureaucrat in a perversely bureaucratic society. His life goes out of control when he tries to find the girl of his dreams while his mother tries to push him to a "better" job. Even though the film begins with a bland "chasing the girl" conflict it turns gradually into a brilliantly nightmarish story which digs deep into the main character's mind. Although the climax justifies the relatively mild first half of the film, I wouldn't consider the screenplay perfect.
Gilliam's form is often forgotten because his sets and costumes are so bizarre and fabulous. However, his cinematography is nearly as intense and fascinating with compositions and camera movement that make the film even more nightmarish, which is a feat in itself. The use of the song called 'Brazil' is almost magnificent - it's not only escapism for the characters, but also a damn good way to create a great atmosphere for the film.
Brazil continues the peculiar traditions of the directors while being a very good film at the same time.
Score: 9 out of 10
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