Z (1969)

Following the murder of a prominent leftist, an investigator tries to uncover the truth while government officials attempt to cover up their roles.

Director:

Costa-Gavras

Writers:

Vasilis Vasilikos (novel), Jorge Semprún,

Stars:

Yves Montand, Irene Papas, Jean-Louis Trintignant

Won 2 Oscars. Another 10 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Yves Montand	...	Z
Irene Papas	...	Hélène
Jean-Louis Trintignant	...	Le juge d'instruction
Jacques Perrin	...	Le photojournaliste
Charles Denner	...	Manuel
François Périer	...	Le procureur
Pierre Dux	...	Le général de gendarmerie
Georges Géret	...	Nick (as Georges Geret)
Bernard Fresson	...	Matt
Marcel Bozzuffi	...	Vago (as Marcel Bozzufi)
Julien Guiomar	...	Le colonel de gendarmerie
Magali Noël	...	La soeur de Nick
Renato Salvatori	...	Yago
Habib Reda
Clotilde Joano	...	Shoula (as Clotilde Joanno)

Storyline

In a mid-sized metropolis (population 500,000) in a right-wing military led country, a pacifist organization, which supports the opposition party in the government, is planning on holding an anti-military, nuclear disarmament rally. The organization's charismatic leader - the deputy - is scheduled to arrive in the town from the capital the day of the rally. Beyond the problems arranging the rally due to the probable incitement of violence at such a rally, the organization learns of an unconfirmed report that there will be an attempt on the deputy's life. The rally does happen, after which a three-wheeled kamikaze runs over the deputy, who eventually passes away from his injuries. The official report is that the incident was a drunken accident. In reality, the deputy's death was murder orchestrated by the secret police, the general for who likens the pacifist organization to mildew killing off agricultural crops. A magistrate is assigned to the case. Although he does have political ...

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Plot Keywords:

rally | cover up | right wing | government | police | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | History | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

M

Details

Country:

France Algeria

Language:

French Russian English

Release Date:

8 December 1969 (USA)

Also Known As:

Z - A Orgia do Poder

Filming Locations:

Algeria

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$10,144 (USA) (13 March 2009)

Gross:

$83,305 (USA) (11 September 2009)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Office National pour le Commerce et l'Industrie Cinématographique, Reggane Films, Valoria Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

127 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Tied with the Fritz Lang movie M for the record for shortest movie title ever. This happens only in English countries because around the world it is known as the only shortest title of a movie mainly because 'M', in many other countries was released with the subtitle of 'The Vampire of Dusseldorf', while 'Z' didn't received any kind of subtitles. Holds the record for the movie with the shortest title to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

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Goofs

After Georges Géret as Nick is hit on the front of the head, he holds the back of it.

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Quotes

Narrator: Concurrently, the military banned long hair on males; mini-skirts; Sophocles; Tolstoy; Euripedes; smashing glasses after drinking toasts; labor strikes; Aristophanes; Ionesco; Sartre; Albee; Pinter; freedom of the press; sociology; Beckett; Dostoyevsky; modern music; popular music; the new mathematics; and the letter "Z", which in ancient Greek means "He is alive!"

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Crazy Credits

Mikis Theodorakis (the film's composer) having been deported, the orchestration is by Bernard Gérard.

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Connections

Referenced in La saga Pignon (2001)

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Soundtracks

"Messe Pour le Temps Présent--Psyché Rock"
(uncredited)
Composed and Performed by Pierre Henry
Courtesy of Philips/PolyGram Records
by arrangement with PolyGram Special Markets
© 1967 Philips Classics Productions

User Reviews

One of the few, however great, films concerning a dark period of Greek history

The film '' Z '' is based upon the same-titled book written by Vassilikos and referring to a real-life event: the assassination of one of the most honorable Greek politicians ( his real name was Grigoris Lambrakis ), who sacrificed his life in the name of peace and human dignity. Costas Gavras did his best to present the prevailing atmosphere and the political situation in Greece ( although Greece is at no point straightly mentioned, but implied ) during May of the year 1963, which is the year when the real events took place. Choosing an adventurous, thrilling or hilarious style according to the facts and scenes presenting at each part of the story, he made an '' all time interesting and provocative '' film. Great acting was also put in by everybody and particularly by Jean-Louis Trintignant, who was great as the Examining Magistrate. As long as the script is concerned, the plot builds up very satisfactorily and carefully, thus not leaving any holes. Great respect should also be paid to Mikis Theodorakis who wrote the original score for the movie, helping it gain the marvelous rythm it retained right until the very end of it. As a concluding remark I would like to mention that anybody who's interested in late Greek history ( from post World War II era to date ) should watch it carefully. The whole result is very rewarding.