| Overall Grade: |
B+ |
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| Story: |
B+ |
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| Acting: |
A- |
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| Direction: |
B+ |
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|
| Visuals: |
B- |
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Surprising Depth
by Allan (movies profile)
Apr 7, 2007
7
of
7 people found this review helpful
I was caught unaware by Zardoz. It was broadcast on some channel one night and I began half-watching it because of Sean Connery. I even got to the point of thinking about switching channels when I realised that there was a story that was worth following.
The plot: it seems that the future isn't so good for mankind. Only a group of immortal and advanced humans called the Exterminators, cut off from the rest of the world, seem to hold out any hope of survival of the species. Separated by some sort of inpenetrable forcefield, they watch the world outside become torn apart by anarchists or Brutals. However, the Exterminators seem to have lost all interest in the future. Their small deteriating society is dealt an even greater blow, it seems, when one of the Brutals(Connery) somehow gets inside the forcefield. But what exactly is the threat that he poses and why are some immortals drawn to him and others repelled? The name Zardoz comes from a god that the Brutals worship and also has another meaning that becomes central to the plot.
The acting was generally very high quality, particularly by John Alderton and Charlotte Rampling. The use of the second movement of Beethoven's seventh symphony was inspiring. Director Boorman did a good job imprinting a memorable image of the struggles of a dying species and their ultimate triumph.
All in all, a surprisingly good off-beat movie. It will appeal to science fiction fans particularly those who prefer story above action. |
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