Zero Effect (1998)

The world's greatest detective Daryl Zero aided by his associate Steve Arlo investigates a complex and mysterious case of blackmail and missing keys for shady tycoon Gregory Stark who is less than forthcoming about what is really happening!

Director:

Jake Kasdan

Writer:

Jake Kasdan

Stars:

Bill Pullman, Ben Stiller, Ryan O'Neal

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bill Pullman	...	Daryl Zero
Ben Stiller	...	Steve Arlo
Ryan O'Neal	...	Gregory Stark
Kim Dickens	...	Gloria Sullivan
Angela Featherstone	...	Jess
Hugh Ross	...	Bill
Sarah DeVincentis	...	Daisy
Matt O'Toole	...	Kragan Vincent
Michele Mariana	...	Maid
Robert Katims	...	Gerald Auerbach
Tyrone Henry	...	Staffer #1
Aleta Barthell	...	Staffer #2
Tapp Watkins	...	Firefighter
Wendy Westerwelle	...	Motel Clerk
Lauren Hasson	...	Little Kid

Storyline

Daryl Zero is a private investigator. Along with his assistant, Steve Arlo he solves impossible crimes and puzzles. Though a master investigator, when he is not working, Zero doesn't know what to do with himself. He has no social skills, writes bad music, and drives Arlo crazy. In his latest case, Zero must find out who is blackmailing a rich executive, and when his client won't tell him, why. The only problem with this case is Zero has done something he's never done before: got emotionally involved.

---

Plot Keywords:

private detective | los angeles california | neo noir | number in title | client | 

---

Taglines:

The world's most private detective.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 January 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

La méthode zéro

Filming Locations:

Crown Point, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$434,840, 1 February 1998, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$1,980,338, 1 March 1998

Company Credits

Production Co:

Castle Rock Entertainment,Columbia Pictures Corporation,Manifest Film Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The blackmailer uses a computer running OpenStep (NeXT OS) to type the blackmail letter.

---

Goofs

When Zero and Gloria go to her apartment, the front door and its locks and doorknob are clearly shown. However, the chain lock for the door is missing the entire chain.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Steve Arlo: It's an uncompromising standard of his practice. He never meets any of his clients. He doesn't speak with them, or, for that matter, communicate in any direct fashion. That's his policy. But I am his sole representative and he is my only employer; and as such, I have full authorization to speak on his behalf on all his matters of business. I have with me a signed letter to that effect. He doesn't negotiate his fee. He works at a flat rate. Under some unusual circumstances, he'll ...

---

Connections

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Memo to the Academy - 1999 (1999)

---

Soundtracks

Starbucked
Written by Scott Shields, Jimmy Hogarth and Steve Eusebe
Performed by Bond
Courtesy of The Work Group

User Reviews

Not to be overlooked

I didn't see this in theaters because most critics up here were dismissive of it, so I checked it out when it hit video and what I wanted wasn't available. I should have ignored the critics. Even if, like me, you're not well versed in Sherlock Holmes (which this film is inspired by), you should enjoy this movie. Bill Pullman is wonderful as Daryl Zero, who lives his professional life by the two "obs; observation and objectivity." He's quirky without being overly eccentric, and he's very believable and touching. Ben Stiller is a nice foil as his front man. Kim Dickens proves after PALOOKAVILLE and this that she's a talent to watch. I even liked Ryan O'Neal, whom I'm not a fan of. I'm definitely looking forward to Jake Kasdan's next film; he looks like he may be as talented as his father.