Z
1969Directed by Costa-Gavras
We are getting so close to the halfway mark; how crazy is that? I am going to have to find a way to celebrate. Maybe I will get a free drink if I explain the situation: "Hey, I have reached 500 on my 1001 movie blog. Well, actually I have seen more movies than that, it's just I am going chronologically so I have written 500. I have maybe seen 900. No, I don't write them ahead of time. Yes, I realize that it is a stupid system."
This film is centered on the assassination of Grigoris Lambrakis. Now, the last event I remember learning about in Greek history was the Battle of Marathon. I am a little behind the times and I suspect a lot of people are in the same boat as me. I had to do quite a bit of research to understand what was going on in this film. So this experience may have felt like more a homework assignment than a way to relax, but I still enjoyed it.
This film is known for how well it builds tension. I have ridiculously high standards for suspense after seeing the perfection that was Wages of Fear. I agree that this movie was admirably done and I will say that I was quite tense throughout the duration of the movie. Still, it wasn't without its dead time and I found myself watching the clock quite a bit. It was worth a watch, though, but be prepared to do some reading if you are as ignorant about Greek history as me.
RATING: ***--
Interesting Facts:
The letter "Z" apparently means "he is alive" in Ancient Greek.
Tied with "M" for shortest movie title of all time.
Hey.. I just did this one, and it didn't take it.. Mutter mutter.
ReplyDeleteI like political thrillers.. and I like films about real historical events (as long as dealt with accurately).. and films about conspiracy and shady goings on.. So I probably built this one up a bit high in my expectations (plus I found it hard to get hold of).. and ended up being a bit disappointed..
But only a bit.. all the points you raised I agree with..
I was a disappointed as well. I really enjoyed JFK so I was hoping it would be something like that, but it was a lot worse.
DeleteI came from the other end, expecting very little and got much more than I bargained for. It does help to get a historical briefing, but I only got that in retrospect and still it worked.
ReplyDeleteHere the letter Z becomes a symbol of resistance against a repressive, corrupt, murdering dictatorship. And as I sit here typing my remarks in early March 2022 it has just become the symbol of support for Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Everything changes, everything remains the same.
ReplyDeleteThe soundtrack included 'Psyche Rock' by Pierre Henry. Where has this gem been hiding all my life? Where can I buy an album of his work?
Yeah, thumbs up, five stars from me. Sort of film that grows on you, that I can imagine will be in my mind for years to come.