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I like Terry Gilliam, I appreciate his style and I like his films. As much as I am fond of Time Bandits and The Adventures of Baron Manchausen, two childhood favourites, and also Twelve Monkeys, I consider Brazil Gilliam's masterpiece.
On a visual and technical level, Brazil is outstanding. The cinematography and effects are well and truly exemplary, as is the make up, but I loved the authentic sound and the genuine atmosphere Brazil exuded.
Michael Kamen is a composer that I have a lot of respect for, and Brazil is no exception. His score is both of beautiful and haunting quality and really helps to enhance the atmosphere. The story does have a simplicity and complexity, it has a wonderful idea, has something to say and explores it well.
The script also impresses. It is thoughtful and deep, but it also has its funny moments of the subtle kind. Gilliam's direction is superb too. The acting is really tremendous. I loved Robert DeNiro, Ian Richardson and Jim Broadbent here and Kim Griest gives a performance of considerable depth avoiding any signs of blandness, but the picture acting-wise belongs to Jonathan Pryce. Pryce is just superb in this film, and while he has done a lot of solid work such as Regeneration, The Ploughman's Lunch and The Adventures of Baron Manchausen I think the role of Sam Lowry from Brazil is his best performance.
I can understand why some mayn't like Brazil. It is a lengthy movie, people might find they like the idea but find there isn't enough to say or they even mayn't like Gilliam and his style. I will admit I did find myself frustrated on first viewing three years ago, loving the idea but found myself confused, but now I both love and appreciate Brazil and not only consider it Gilliam's masterpiece but also one of the better movies of the 80s.
Overall, outstanding but perhaps not a movie you should see just once. 10/10 Bethany Cox
10/10
