Z (1969)
Director:
Watched: January 2018
Rating: 8/10
“Any similarity to real persons and events is not coincidental. It is intentional. And so the story begins.” I love that this is displayed on screen at the beginning of the film.
The letter Z, which means “He Lives”, in Greek. A historically and politically significant film that was released at the most opportune time, political unrest in Mexico City, Martin Luther King, the election of Nixon, the Vietnam War. Costa-Graves made extra character select a composer, Theodorakis, that would provide the perfect Greek soundtrack.
Based on the 1963 assassination of left wing Greek Parliament member Gregory Lambrakis, as in the film, it inspired and evoked citizens enough to have in banned for a while.
Appreciated the ending. Costa-Graves did not take the easy way out. The last scene shows the inspiring Deputy’s widow looking skeptical of the supposed success of the examining magistrate’s indictments. Sure enough, truthfully documenting governmental corruption, the epilogue tells how all he is mysteriously removed from the case, and all the others involved in the prosecutor side die accidentally, are deported or incarcerated. The corrupt officials receive merely slaps on the wrist. Alas, the truth hurts. But the film manages to end on a positive note, with moving music and an explanation for the film’s title. “He Lives”!
Notably, the only film to date nominated by The Academy for both Best Picture & Best Foreign Language Film. It won in the latter category.
Wonderful musical score. Costa-Gravas masterfully tailors in the perfect balance of intensity and suspense. A subtle thriller, with the protagonist a mysterious fighter, hiding behind his glasses, his partner photojournalist hiding behind his lens. We might never really get to know these characters in the details of their everyday lives, but we feel we know what constitutes their characters, what beliefs and values they fiercely adhere to, and ultimately what makes them the individuals they are.
I am not usually into political thrillers, but this one is an exception. Well done, Costa-Gravas.