Amherst Cinema is screening a new print of the seminal political thriller “Z” tonight at 7 p.m.
Directed by Costa Gavras, the film is based on the 1966 novel of the same name by Greek author Vassilis Vassilikos.
A French-language film released in 1969, “Z” is a minimally fictionalized account of the political turmoil in Greece following the 1963 assassination of peace-activist and democratic politician Gregoris Lambrakis. His death, perpetrated by right wing extremists, ignited a surge of popular protests against the government who was suspected of being involved. Gavras used actual transcripts of the ensuing trial and investigation following Lambrakis assassination, whose death exposed a conspiracy by the right-wing government.
The film features a respected international cast, with Jean-Louis Trintignant staring as le judge d’instruction, an investigative magistrate presiding over the assassination trial of a scientist named Zei. Played by Yves Montand, Zei is intended to represent Lambrakis, and is killed while giving a speech against the use of the atomic bomb. Also appearing in the film is Irene Papas and Jacques Perrin. Papas is cast in a supporting role as Zei’s wife, but Perrin plays one of the principle characters. He is a photojournalist who uncovers evidence revealing the government’s role in the conspiracy.
Since its inception, “Z” has been credited for making a bold political statement against the evils of government oppression. The film depicts the heavy restrictions on freedom imposed by the military dictatorship that took power in a coup shortly after Lambrakis assassination. The new government banned peaceful protests, strikes, labor unions, the free press, international encyclopedias, Jean-Paul Sartre, long hair on men and popular music such as the Beatles. It even banned the letter Z, which became a protest slogan meaning “he (Lambrakis) lives.” This slogan is also the origin of the films title.
The film was received well by critics. In 1969, it was declared Best Film at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards, where Gavras was named Best Director. That same year, Trintignant won Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival. In 1970, the National Society of Film Critics gave it the Best Film Award. “Z” also won a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, and an Oscar for Best Film Editing. It was the first film ever nominated for Academy Awards for both Best Foreign Language Film and Best Picture.
Film critic Roger Ebert is a proponent of the film. He wrote, “[‘Z’] is a film of our time. It is about how even moral victories are corrupted. It will make you weep and will make you angry. It will tear your guts out …These would seem to be completely political events, but the young director Gavras has told them in a style that is almost unbearably exciting. ‘Z’ is at the same time a political cry of rage and a brilliant suspense thriller.”
Andrew Cogan can be reached at [email protected].
