Brazil Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy dreams of escaping his terrible job and finds the girl of his dreams, but then paperwork ruins everything.

🍿 Brazil: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Typographical Error and its Consequences

In a dystopian future controlled by a vast bureaucracy, a fly causes a crucial error in a government teletype machine, changing the name ‘Tuttle’ (a known terrorist) to ‘Buttle’. This leads to the wrongful arrest and subsequent death of Archibald Buttle, an innocent man. This sets in motion a chain of events that throws the protagonist, Sam Lowry, into chaos.

Sam Meets Jill

Sam Lowry, a low-level bureaucrat, dreams of a heroic life where he saves a woman. Assigned to rectify the Buttle error, he encounters Jill Layton, Buttle’s neighbor and a truck driver trying to report the mistake. He is immediately drawn to her, recognizing her as the woman from his dreams. Sam’s desire to help Jill and correct the injustice leads him to pursue a promotion within the Ministry of Information, hoping to access her classified records.

Tuttle’s Intervention and Sam’s Double Life

Sam’s attempts to assist Jill lead him to encounter Harry Tuttle, a rogue heating engineer and suspected terrorist, who helps fix Sam’s faulty air conditioning system. Simultaneously, Sam manipulates the bureaucratic system to alter Jill’s records, attempting to erase her from the government’s radar. These actions plunge Sam deeper into a dangerous world of government conspiracies and underground resistance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce): A daydreaming bureaucrat who rebels against a dystopian society in pursuit of the woman from his dreams.
• Jill Layton (Kim Greist): A truck driver and neighbor of a wrongfully arrested man, she becomes Sam’s romantic interest and a target of the government.
• Harry Tuttle (Robert De Niro): A renegade heating engineer and suspected terrorist who operates outside the bureaucratic system.
• Jack Lint (Michael Palin): Sam’s friendly colleague who is secretly a government torturer, representing the banality of evil within the system.
• Mrs. Ida Lowry (Katherine Helmond): Sam’s image-obsessed mother, desperately clinging to youth through extreme plastic surgery, represents the society’s superficial values.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Harry Tuttle: “We’re all in this together.” – Tuttle says this to Sam after fixing his air conditioning, hinting at their shared struggle against the system.
• Jack Lint: “Don’t fight it, Sam. Confess quickly! If you hold out too long, you could jeopardize your credit rating.” – Said during Sam’s torture, highlighting the absurdity of valuing credit over human rights.
• Mr. Helpmann: “Shhh. Quiet, or you’ll be reported.” – Spoken by Helpmann to a crying baby, reflecting the oppression of the dystopian government.
• Sam Lowry: “It’s only a state of mind.” – Sam repeats the line after his escape turns out to be a delusion, showing the power of the human mind.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $9,929,135
• Worldwide Gross: $9,949,953

💥 Brazil Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched ‘Brazil’ in college, and it blew my mind. It felt like a bizarre dream you can’t shake off. The visuals are incredible, especially the clunky, retro-future technology. I was completely drawn into Sam Lowry’s world, and every scene felt both hilarious and unsettling. The ending left me speechless and slightly disturbed, making me question everything. It’s a film that stays with you long after you’ve seen it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dystopian science fiction”
  • “Viewers who appreciate dark humor and satire”
  • “Those interested in films that explore themes of bureaucracy and societal control”
  • “Admirers of Terry Gilliam’s unique visual style”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and torture”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A visually dazzling, darkly funny satire. Gilliam’s vision is unique, creating a world both retro and futuristic, where bureaucracy crushes the human spirit. While sometimes overwhelming, the film’s originality and biting commentary make it a worthwhile experience.
• Variety: “Terry Gilliam’s ‘Brazil’ is a challenging but rewarding cinematic experience. Its complex narrative and surreal visuals create a unique dystopian world. The film may not be for everyone, but its ambition and originality are undeniable.
• The New York Times: “Brazil is a wildly imaginative and visually arresting film. Gilliam’s vision of a bureaucratic nightmare is both funny and disturbing. Jonathan Pryce delivers a standout performance in this thought-provoking satire.

Audience Reactions

The film’s unique and bizarre visuals are unforgettable.: Viewers praise the creative and imaginative world-building.

Many appreciate the film’s dark humor and satire of bureaucracy.: The movie is praised for its sharp social commentary and quirky comedy.

Overall Consensus: ‘Brazil’ is a visually stunning, thought-provoking satire that’s highly original but may not appeal to all viewers due to its dark tone and complex narrative.

Awards

1. BAFTA Awards (Best Production Design)- 1986
2. BAFTA Awards (Best Special Visual Effects)- 1986

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Terry Gilliam fought Universal Pictures for the final cut of the film, leading to a public battle and multiple versions being released.”
• “Robert De Niro initially wanted to play the role of Kurtzmann but was eventually cast as Harry Tuttle.”
• “The film’s retro-futuristic aesthetic was inspired by Gilliam’s childhood love of old machinery and technology.”
• “The title ‘Brazil’ comes from the song ‘Aquarela do Brasil,’ which is used ironically throughout the film to represent escapism.”

🖥️ How to Watch Brazil?

Brazil is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules. Streaming availability may vary by region. DVD and Blu-ray versions are also available for purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Brazil, you might like these similar films:

• 1984 (1984): Directly explores similar dystopian themes of government surveillance, control, and the suppression of individuality.
• Dark City (1998): Features a protagonist struggling against a fabricated reality and a mysterious, all-powerful authority, sharing thematic elements.
• Blade Runner (1982): Shares a visually striking dystopian setting and explores themes of identity and what it means to be human in a technologically advanced, oppressive world.
• The Truman Show (1998): Explores the theme of manufactured reality and one man’s struggle to break free from a system controlling his life.
• Repo Man (1984): A cult classic with a dark, satirical view of society, blending science fiction with absurdist humor and counter-culture themes.

🛒 Brazil Related Products

• Brazil (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A restored version of Terry Gilliam’s director’s cut, complete with bonus features, offering deep dives into the film’s production and themes. The Criterion Collection edition is essential for any serious fan.
• Terry Gilliam: Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers Series): A collection of interviews with Terry Gilliam, exploring his creative process and the making of ‘Brazil’ and other films. Provides a deeper understanding of his artistic vision and challenges.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Brazil – Sam Lowry: A stylized vinyl figure of Sam Lowry, capturing his iconic look from the film. Great addition to any collection, perfect for fans of the movie.
• Brazil Movie Poster Print: A high-quality print of the original movie poster. The poster captures the film’s unique aesthetic and serves as a striking piece of decor.

🎧 Soundtrack

Brazil features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Aquarela do Brasil (Brazil)” – performed by Geoff Muldaur
• “Central Services” – performed by Michael Kamen
• “The Office” – performed by Michael Kamen

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Brazil – Geoff & Maria Muldaur

Immerse yourself in the enchanting melody of “Brazil” (Aquarela do Brasil), a song that perfectly captures the film’s captivating atmosphere. Geoff Muldaur’s heartfelt rendition will transport you back to the dystopian world of Terry Gilliam’s masterpiece.

Brazil (1985) – Film Analysis

Journey into the mind of Terry Gilliam as we dissect his iconic film “Brazil”. This in-depth analysis will take you on a cinematic adventure, uncovering hidden meanings and appreciating the brilliance of this dystopian masterpiece.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPwzH77y5Ls

Terry Gilliam on Brazil

Step behind the scenes with Terry Gilliam as he shares his insights and anecdotes from the making of “Brazil”. This exclusive interview will give you a glimpse into the mind of a cinematic genius and a deeper appreciation for his masterpiece.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEFmW6k3-OI

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