Gilliam’s Zero Theorem is a sexy, pleasantly ordinary picnic. Except it is virtual, taking
place in Qohen’s computer program and placed there by his horrid boss to make him work, work, work. The picnic is a romp on the tropical beach with a virtual sex worker Bainsley.
Before the picnic, supremely unhappy Qohen Leth, a high-tech geek, works continuously on a problem never to be solved.
At their first picnic meeting, Qohen asks, “Where is this place?” and Bainsley says, “All in your mind. . . from my mind. My father used to clip pictures from travel magazines and put them on the fridge. When he saved up, we were going to vacation to some exotic tropical island.”
Qohen is skeptical, but Bainsley tells him, “It’s better than real. You’re on your computer. I’m in mine. We’re connected by memory chips and fiber optics. We’re safe here, Qohen. This is my place.” In contrast to the chaotic world Qohen inhabits, the beach is serene but cheesy. The sky, however, is magnificent on an evening when the sun never sets.
The picnic is set on a traditional red and white gingham cloth. The virtual meal is a cold boiled lobster, asparagus, a loaf of bread, and champagne. Bainsley hammers a claw and stuffs her mouth. Insisting that Qohen eats, he takes a nibble, shivers with pleasure, and reaches for more.
Grabbing the champagne, Bainsley says, “pop your cork, boyfriend.” It seems an invitation to make love, and as the first picnic fades, Qohen and Bainsley embrace.
The second meeting is discomforting. Bainsley asks what is in Qohen’s mind, and when he takes her there, it is frightening. He and Bainsley are naked, floating in space. Bainsley tries to comfort him back on the beach, but he is sexually aroused. When he says he wants to remain on the beach forever, Bainsley says that Management will never allow it. Heedless of her resistance, he rips off her bathing suit bra. She pushes back strenuously, breaking the internet connection, and Qohen is abruptly returned to his reality.
Qohen Leth (Christoph Waltz) and Brainsley (Melanie Thierry) on the beach.
At their final picnic, Qohen returns intent on remaining there. He looks for Bainsley and, finding her bathing suit bra, knows he’s in the right place. Hopelessly, he stands watching the sun descends below the horizon until there is darkness, and he hears Bainsley gently calling his name.
See Terry Gilliam. Zero Theorem (2013). The screenplay by Pat Rushin is based on his story “The Call”