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) (as Vassili Vassilikos), Jorge Semprún (dialogue) (as Jorge Semprun)

Stars:

Yves Montand, Irene Papas, Jean-Louis Trintignant

Won 2 Oscars. Another 10 wins & 13 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Yves Montand	...	Z
Irene Papas	...	Hélène (as Irène Papas)
Jean-Louis Trintignant	...	Le juge d'instruction
François Périer	...	Le procureur
Jacques Perrin	...	Le photojournaliste
Charles Denner	...	Manuel
Pierre Dux	...	Le général de gendarmerie Missou
Georges Géret	...	Nick
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 | police | government | military | politician | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | History | Thriller

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Certificate:

M/PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Costa-Gavras says that Montand's scenes, including flashbacks and photos only occupy 12 minutes of screen time.

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Goofs

While visiting the witness in the hospital the judge, played by Jean-Louis Trintignant, holds some photos in his hand. One of them is a photo of one of the hoodlums who attacked Georges Pirou (played by Jean Bouise). But this photo will be taken later on the street by the journalist (Jacques Perrin), who investigates the members of the secret organization.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Deputy Minister of Agriculture: Mildew is prevented by spraying the vines with a solution of copper sulfate. There are two standard remedies: Bordeaux mixture and Burgundy mixture - named after the French provinces famous for its wines. The vines are sprayed three times a year: first when the shoots are about five inches long; second, just before or after the blossoms appear; and the third time, a month later. Spraying is preventative and thus essential

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Crazy Credits

Any resemblance to actual events, to persons living or dead, is not the result of chance. It is DELIBERATE. (Signed by) Jorge Semprún, Costa-Gavras

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Alternate Versions

This received wide release in the United States in an English-dubbed version.

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Connections

Referenced in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

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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

A great film.

One of the best political/muck-wracking films ever made, it set the stage for the great US political films of the 70's. Costa-Garvas at his finest, it's filled with detailed performances and camera work, a memorable score, and breathtaking content. If only they made films like this now, I'd be a happy camper. By the way, it was the first foreign film (French) to be nominated for Best Picture. That should tell you something.......

Details

Official Sites:

Criterion [United States] Official site

Country:

France Algeria

Language:

French Russian English

Release Date:

8 December 1969 (USA)

Also Known As:

Z

Filming Locations:

Algeria

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$10,144, 15 March 2009

Gross USA:

$83,305

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$83,305

Company Credits

Production Co:

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

Technical Specs

Runtime:

127 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1