#491: COSTA-GAVRAS: Z (1969)

COSTA-GAVRAS (France)
Z [1969]
Spine #491
DVD
OOP


A pulse-pounding political thriller, Greek expatriate director Costa-Gavras's Z was one of the cinematic sensations of the late sixties, and remains among the most vitasl dispatches from that hallowed era of filmmaking. This Academy Award winner — loosely based on the 1963 assassination of Greek left-wing activist Gregoris Lambrakis — stars Yves Montand as a prominent politican and doctor whose public murder amid a violent demonstration is covered up by military and government officials; Jean-Lous Trintignant is the tenacious magistrate who's determined not to let them get away with it. Featuring kinetic, rhythmic editing, Raoul Coutard's expressive vérité photography, and Mikis Theodorakis's unforgettable, propulsive score, Z is a technically audacious and emotionally gripping masterpiece..

127 minutes
Color
Monaural
in French
1:66:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2009
Director/Writers


Based on the book Z by Vassilis Vassilikos.
Screenplay by Jorge Semprún and Costa-Gavras.
Costa-Gavras was 36 when he directed Z.

Other Costa-Gavras films in the Collection:

#759: The Confession (1970)
#760: State Of Siege (1972)
#449: Missing (1982)

The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Sixteen-page booklet featuring an essay by critic Armond White.

Commentary

Featuring film historian Peter Cowie.

Interviews

With director Costa-Gavras and DP Raoul Coutard.

Archival interviews

With director Costa-Gavras; producer-actor Perrin, actors Dux, Montand, Papas, and Trintignant; and Vassilikos, author of the book Z.

Theatrical trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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