Directed
by Costa-Gavras, Z was a landmark
thriller from 1969, a political film that pointed to the kinds of pictures
Oliver Stone would make two decades later. It was the first film to be
nominated for both Best Picture and Best Foreign Film the same year (it won the
Oscar for the latter, as well as for its innovative, dynamic editing). The
mostly French production was filmed in Algeria, doubling as Greece—which at the
time would never have allowed the crew to film there.
Based
on true events that occurred in Greece in the early 60s, the story concerns the
government-backed assassination of a pacifist political candidate (played by
Yves Montand) and the subsequent investigation (led by charismatic Jean-Louis
Trintignant) that eventually brought down the chief of police, head of
security, and other government officials. The location is never named in the
film and it really doesn’t matter. Z is
about the corruption of a military regime in any country, and the film was yet another call for peace, justice,
and the end to wars. The movie struck a chord, was a box-office hit, and a
critical darling. It didn’t hurt that it was a nail-biter—a truly suspenseful
and riveting investigative-procedural drama—superbly directed and photographed
on a remarkably low budget.
The
folks at Criterion do their usual excellent job with this release—the
remastered transfer is especially clear and gorgeous, and the sound mix is
perfect. Extras include an enlightening contemporary interview with
Costa-Gavras about the background and making of the film, and vintage
documentaries about the true crime and the movie’s production. Kudos all
around.
In a movie industry obsessed with producing CGI-packed epics and animated family films, there doesn't seem to be much enthusiasm for quality films about real people. Last year saw an outstanding slew of intelligent films like Revolutionary Road, The Reader and The Wrestler, but their primary audiences never extended much beyond the urban art cinema crowd.There's no way around the simple fact that the public would rather see a brainless Transformers movie than any tale that might speak to the human heart or condition. Nonetheless, credit must be given to studios that still take the plunge and finance distribution of intelligent, well-made films.Case in point: Fox Searchlight's Amelia, which celebrates the life of Amelia Earhart. The film provides yet another solid role for Hillary Swank, who continues to impress as one of the most exciting actresses on screen today. The diversity of the roles she takes on is testimony to her talents and an indicant as to why she has already been awarded two Oscars.
Hopper (left) and Peter Fonda in the iconic Easy Rider (1969)
Dennis Hopper, the 73-year old star and director of the classic Easy Rider, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, causing him to cancel appearances. His spokesman refused to say what stage the cancer is in, stating only that they are "hoping for the best". For more click here
George Lazenby with (L) George Koodray, president of the Metropolitan Society and Cinema Retro editor-in-chief Lee Pfeiffer.
By Lee Pfeiffer
When I read that Cinema Retro's old pal George Lazenby would be coming to New Jersey to attend the massive Chiller Theatre show, I couldn't resist inviting him out to toast the 40th anniversary of his classic Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Accompanying me was George Koodray, president of the Metropolitan Society, New Jersey's top private cigar club and a dyed-in-the-wool admirer of OHMSS. Finding Lazenby proved to be a mission worthy of Bond himself: the jam-packed Hilton hotel where the event took place was so chaotic I felt I was trying to get the last chopper out of Saigon.We finally found George, who was frantically signing autographs for Bond fans. The show was supposed to last until 11:00 PM, but George cut out early to join us in a pub on the premises. He was in fine form and regaled us with many hilarious stories about his life and career. Most most remain understandably private but there were a few gems we can share.