Capsule Review: Brazil (1985)

Often overshadowed by the difficulties of its release (which included a rather ridiculous and unnecessary re-edit), Brazil really marks a maturation of Terry Gilliam as filmmaker (first glimpsed in his entertaining Time Bandits), as well as a rejection of the more manic and broad humor in his Monty Python work. Still darkly funny with large chunks of Orwell’s 1984 and social satire thrown in for good measure, this weighty material is paired with astounding visuals and production design. Still the best thing Gilliam has produced, and a fine example of how greatness can come from chaos.