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Show The Daily Utah Chronicle, Friday, February 21, 1986 Page Seven 'Brazil' is unlike any film so far; its bizarre content is intriguing by Scott Rivers Staff writer There are great movies, and there arc cinematic masterpieces. Brazil is a masterpiece. No doubt many viewers will argue with this assumption. Still, those detractors will also agree that director and Terr' Gilliam's visually stunning black comedy stark drama is unlike anything produced in the medium's history. You think I'm exaggerating? Wait until you see the co-wri- ter film. Inspired by the 1930s Xavier Cugat torch song, Brazil takes the viewer on a journey through an oppressive, British society surrounded by endless red tape. The hero of the story is Sam and paperwork Lowry (Jonathan Pryce), a Walter Mitty-typ- c every man whose dull, unambitious position in the Ministry of Information creates in him a need to live in a continual cold-heart- ed fantasy. Lowry consistently dreams of soaring high above the clouds as a knight in flying armor to rescue the damsel in distress (Kim Grcist) from bizarre circumstances. It is a dream constantly interrupted by life's harsh realities, I am only offering a glimpse of the plot because there isn't much to begin with. Gilliam has essentially taken the concept of 1984, with bits of Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times thrown in for good measure, and has gone through the roof. If you were a director who had recently been released from a schizophrenic ward, Brazil would be the kind of film you might possibly make. It's not the story that necessarily mattersbut the images. On a purely visual level, this movie possesses a magnetic force jhat never lets go. The costumes, elaborate sets, art dttlgn, special effects, etc. arc all part of director Gilliam's roller coaster ride of surrealism and absurdism. Like any celluloid masterwork, Brazil has its flaws. The film is a bit long and takes its time getting started. Some people may walk out after the first 20 minutes. But stay with it! The rewards arc well worth the impatience. When considering the movie's offbeat nature, Gilliam admittedly displays his moments of playful self-indulgen- Next to Pryce, the film's best acting is provided by Robert DeNiro as the outlaw repairman who appears whenever poor Lowry is in deep trouble. It's a wonderful, zany role which DeNiro handles beautifully while displaying a rarely seen comic prowess. Brazil is a difficult movie to describe, since it conveys different meanings to each individual. In fact, you could flJWE PITS 8C WW) achievement. Even more so than Gilliam's previous efforts (Time Bandits and Jfabberzvocky), the movie is crammed with so much detail that it automatically requires a second viewing. There are ingenious, subtle parodies of other films, most notably The Road Warrior and the Odessa Steps sequence from the Russian classic Potemkin (1925), which appear so quickly, they are easy to overlook. Despite my praise, several people are going to hate Brazil it's definitely not for everyone. It is understandable why the executives from Universal Pictures were hesitant to release this picture. Quite simply, it defies categorization. What's most important, however, is that Terry Gilliam had the ambition and persistence to sec this project through. The fact Brazil was made and released is a triumph in itself. It will continue to be shown and, unlike so many latter-da- y "classics," will stand the test of time more gracefully. Brazil is more than a film Every woman has a right to make her own per- sonal, private decisions about her reproductive healthcare. At the Utah Women's Health Center, we respect this right. We are it's a landmark! Thes U of U Theatre Department, Utah Theatre Festival, Utah Endowment for the Humanities, ASUU, Impact Series, U of U Middle Eat Center, committed to providing affordable, personalized Present medical and health education services. Free Pregnancy Testing Pregnancy Alternatives, Counseling Abortion Services 1st and 2nd Trimester Contraceptive Care ce, PAP Smears 55 o VD Screening Sterilization IV PMS r "THE FILM IS SCARY... G'l Choke easily write a book analyzing Gilliam's extraordinary disregarding coherency. Yet, the indulgences are quite intriguing when seen in the right frame of mind. However, Gilliam is dead right in terms of casting. Pryce is a perfect choice for the central role and is ably assisted by Kathcrine Helmond (as Lowry's rich mother), Monty Python alumni Michael Palin (in a largely "straight" portrayal), Ian Holm and Bob Hoskins. " REPRODUCTIVE CARE: AG's A Matter Infertility Artificial Insemination Clever special effects ...Fast and nerve- - racking... Chronic Pelvic Pain Startling!" Physician or Midwife mm Mbmi tHf Obstetrical Care new tom Times Birthing Center "FUN FOR HORROR FANS... Bits of satiric humor, scare effects and a surprise ending." tnfiti wwsien Kt KST rO A JEWISH HEROINE AN INSPIRATION FOR ALL PEOPLE mm a one woman "play with music" starring Susan Gabriel ON ELM STREET-- 2 FREDDYS REVENGE t ram m warn Playing &TM SOUTH an sum wr i nnorj w ana Mo tr Now m mi suo Friday 1:50. 3:40,5:30,7:20,9:10 HH EAST , 5:10, 7:10, 9:10 fliWliD fad mwr str awwi.wint fflfWfP FRIDAY AT 188 6487 nan sn . Mt 33rd South FRIDAY 5:50, 7:50, 9:50 Today 7:00, 9:00 the national touring production written and directed by David Schechter music by Elizabeth Swados and Steven Lutvak March 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. also at 2 on March 2 in the Babcock Theatre (downstairs at Pioneer Memorial Theatre) m so wstcw w nwtipj For additional information call Tonight 5:45, 7:20, 9:20 hA hA ZOObiE Hia ; Tickets are available at the ticket desk in the Olpin Union Building and also at the Jewish Community Center (2416 E. 1700 So.) Also at the door (upon availability) 1 hour before the performance. ICmVis . zoobie La 581-009- 8. s : 515 South 400 East Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 (801) 531-9192363-1- 920 |
