Theorem (1968) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Theorem (Italian: Teorema), directed by the renowned Italian filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini, is a provocative and enigmatic film that delves into themes of spirituality, sexuality, and the disruption of bourgeois values. Released in 1968, the film is a bold and controversial exploration of human nature and society’s response to the divine and the unknown.
Plot Summary
Theorem centers around a mysterious and nameless Visitor (played by Terence Stamp), who arrives at the home of a wealthy, bourgeois family in Milan:
- The Visitor’s Impact: The Visitor has a profound effect on each member of the family—father, mother, son, daughter, and even the maid. His presence disrupts their lives, leading each of them to experience a personal crisis or revelation.
- Seduction and Transformation: The Visitor seduces each family member in turn, not only sexually but also emotionally and spiritually. His interactions with them reveal their inner desires, fears, and existential dilemmas.
- Departure and Aftermath: After a brief period, the Visitor leaves as suddenly as he arrived. His departure plunges the family into chaos, as each member grapples with the profound changes he has wrought in their lives.
Theorem is a film that raises more questions than it answers, deliberately leaving much of its meaning open to interpretation. The Visitor’s true nature—whether he is a divine figure, a force of nature, or something else entirely—is never explicitly explained, adding to the film’s mystique and intellectual depth.
Critical Reception
Theorem was met with both acclaim and controversy upon its release:
Strengths:
- Bold Exploration of Themes: The film is celebrated for its daring exploration of themes such as the intersection of sexuality and spirituality, the emptiness of bourgeois life, and the transformative power of the divine or unknown.
- Terence Stamp’s Performance: Terence Stamp delivers a compelling performance as the enigmatic Visitor, embodying both allure and otherworldliness with subtlety and intensity.
- Visual Style: Pasolini’s direction is marked by a stark and austere visual style that underscores the film’s themes. The use of color, composition, and symbolism contributes to the film’s haunting atmosphere.
Weaknesses:
- Abstract Narrative: The film’s abstract and non-linear narrative may be challenging for some viewers. Its open-ended nature requires active interpretation, which can be both a strength and a drawback, depending on the viewer’s perspective.
- Controversial Content: The film’s explicit content, particularly its depiction of sexuality, led to controversy and censorship in some regions. While this content is integral to the film’s themes, it may be off-putting to some audiences.
Despite its challenging nature, Theorem is regarded as one of Pasolini’s most important works, praised for its intellectual rigor and the provocative questions it raises about society, human nature, and the divine.
Themes and Analysis
Theorem explores a range of complex themes:
- Spiritual and Sexual Awakening: The film suggests a connection between spiritual and sexual awakening, with the Visitor acting as a catalyst for both. His presence leads each character to confront their true selves and desires.
- Critique of Bourgeois Values: Pasolini, known for his Marxist views, uses the film to critique the emptiness and superficiality of bourgeois life. The family’s wealth and social status are shown to be meaningless in the face of the Visitor’s influence.
- The Divine and the Unknown: The Visitor can be interpreted as a divine figure or an agent of the unknown, bringing with him a force that is both seductive and destructive. The film raises questions about the nature of the divine and its impact on human lives.
- Alienation and Identity: Each character undergoes a crisis of identity following their encounter with the Visitor. The film explores themes of alienation, both from oneself and from society, as the characters struggle to reconcile their experiences with their previous lives.
Where to Watch Theorem Online
If you’re interested in watching Theorem (1968), here are some options:
1. Streaming Services
- Criterion Channel: Theorem is available on the Criterion Channel, which is known for its collection of classic and art-house films. A subscription is required.
- Mubi: Mubi, a streaming service that focuses on curated selections of films, sometimes offers Theorem as part of its rotating catalog. Availability may vary.
2. Rental/Purchase Services
- Amazon Video: You can rent or purchase Theorem on Amazon Video. Rentals typically start at around $3.99, with purchase options available for about $14.99.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Google Play offers rental and purchase options for Theorem. Rentals usually cost around $3.99, with the film available for purchase at approximately $14.99.
- Apple iTunes: The film is available for rental or purchase on Apple iTunes, with similar pricing to other platforms.
- Vudu: Vudu provides rental and purchase options, with rentals starting at $3.99 and purchase options around $14.99.
Conclusion
Theorem (1968) is a powerful and enigmatic film by Pier Paolo Pasolini that challenges conventional storytelling and delves into profound themes of spirituality, sexuality, and societal critique. With its abstract narrative, striking visual style, and compelling performances, the film remains a significant work in the history of cinema, particularly within the context of European art-house films.
While its content and themes may be challenging for some viewers, Theorem is a rewarding experience for those interested in exploring complex ideas through the medium of film. Available on various streaming and rental platforms, it offers an opportunity to engage with a film that continues to provoke thought and discussion decades after its release.
