A French film that debuted in 1969, “Z” is a political thriller directed by Costa Gavras based on the novel by Greek author Vassilis Vassilikos. Steeped in the fractured and highly antagonistic politics of Cold War Greece, the film depicts the moral struggle against state repression, capturing both its poignancy and fragility.
Taking place in the early 1960s, “Z” tells the story of democratic politician and peace activist Gregoris Lambrakis, whose assassination by right-wing extremists catalyzed a wave of popular dissent against the government. Lambrakis’ death and its subsequent investigation exposed the government’s thoroughly corrupt attempts to maintain power via coercive and violent means.
In the film, Lambrakis is represented by Zei, played by Yves Montand, a leftist politician attacked several times while attempting to speak at a peace demonstration. A few days later, Zei succumbs to his wounds and passes away. A government prosecutor played by Jean-Louis Trintignant is charged with investigating the incident. Jacques Perrin, cast as a photojournalist, comes forward with evidence suggesting foul play. Irene Pappas also appears briefly in the film as Zei’s wife.
Though “Z” enjoys the talents of a star international cast, the spotlight is broadly focused across an array of major and minor characters. Perrin and Trintignant certainly play key roles, but their personal stories never drive the plot. They appear only as the events necessitate their presence on screen. The absence of character drama separates “Z” from other movies. It prevents the movies blistering pace from being hindered by superfluous details, making space for the action to tell the story.
Indeed, the action is what makes “Z” so compelling. Once the opening scenes set the stage, the movie hurtles forward at breakneck speed, building with intensity as the investigation narrows in on the truth behind Zei’s death. The result is pure excitement and suspense.
Also worth noting is the films score, composed by Mikis Theodorakis, which became a hit after the movie’s release. In 1970, the soundtrack was awarded the Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
The film garnered a multitude of other accolades, including an Academy Award honoring Francoise Bennot for Best Film Editing. It received a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film in 1970, and Trintignant got Best Actor at the 1969 Cannes Film Festival. Also in 1969, the New York Film Critics Circle Awards dubbed “Z” the Best Film, while honoring Gavras with Best Director.
To this day, “Z” remains powerful because it resists the temptation to brush over truth with fiction. Based on actual events, the film does not deviate from reality; it portrays real people whose stories speak poignantly without the aid of Hollywood drama. It is in many ways a historical account, just as much as it is an exciting political thriller and an excellent film. Above all, “Z” is a bold political statement that decries the evils of state repression. It is astonishingly relevant even decades after its original release.
Andrew Cogan can be reached at [email protected]
