In Zero Theorem, Waltz plays an eccentric character (does he play any other kind?) named Qohen Leth, a reclusive computer genius who dedicates his time to solving the eponymous theorem – which will demonstrate once and for all whether or not life has a purpose (and what it is). The story setting recalls the dystopian world of Gilliam’s sci-fi cult classic Brazil, which takes place within an Orwellian landscape – but is even more twisted, to better fit Gilliam’s evolving storytelling sensibilities (somehow, they’ve become more unhinged over the past decade).
For example: Zero Theorem takes place in a world populated by computerized shrinks, sex-bots that offer “tantric biotelemetric interfacing,” and cyber-suits that allow people to explore the realms of their own soul (which may or may not be real (?), as will be determined once the Zero Theorem is either proven or disproven).