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- Zardoz Cast and Plot
- Zardoz Was a Commercial Failure
- Why Zardoz Is a So-Bad-It’s-Good Gem
As a connoisseur of cult films and a lifelong fan of bizarre cinema, I must say that Zardoz has become one of my favorite so-bad-it’s-good gems. Having grown up in the ’80s, I was fortunate enough to stumble upon this peculiar gem during my formative years as a movie buff. The film is an unapologetic rollercoaster ride through a psychedelic world that tackles complex themes with a surreal sense of humor and style.
Legendary actor, best known for his portrayals of James Bond, Ramirez in Highlander, and John Patrick Mason in The Rock (1996), Sean Connery left an indelible mark on cinema before his death on October 31, 2020. While he had a prolific career, not all of his work stood the test of time, with some films being outright failures from their inception. Zardoz (1974) serves as a prime example of this duality; some argue it was visionary before its time, while others view it as a self-indulgent production that shouldn’t have been screened at all.
1970s science fiction drama/philosophical/dystopian film left moviegoers puzzled at the box office due to its peculiar visual style and complex themes. Yet, with the passage of time, this film has evolved into an underestimated gem for cult film enthusiasts and those who appreciate ‘so bad it’s good’ movies. Let us explore one of the most eccentric films produced in the ’70s and delve into why Zardoz has garnered respect as a cult classic, despite its numerous shortcomings.
Zardoz Cast and Plot
The plot of the 1974 film “Zardoz” is complex and difficult to summarize. Essentially, it revolves around a character named Zed (played by Sean Connery), who infiltrates a community of intellectuals known as the Eternals. They reside within a colony that’s disguised as a god-like entity created by Zed’s people. This act disrupts an advanced society that had been hidden away.
Originally, you were freed from a life of cruelty. Your mission now is to eliminate those who continue to perpetuate violence and chaos, for they are many. In fulfilling this task, your deity, Zardoz, has bestowed upon you a unique gift – the weapon known as the Gun. This tool serves a righteous purpose.
In the sci-fi film Zardoz, Sean Connery plays a rugged character who finds himself amidst an elite society. At this point, Connery had already achieved stardom, wrapping up his Bond role with the 1971 movie “Diamonds Are Forever”. Among the numerous characters in the film, notable ones include Charlotte Rampling, who develops a romantic relationship with Zed, and Consuella; Sara Kestelman, portraying the outspoken Eternal May; and John Alderton, as the cunning deceiver, Friend. The director of this intriguing production is John Boorman, renowned for his movies like “Deliverance”, “Hope and Glory”, and “The General”.
Zardoz Was a Commercial Failure
The creators of the movie titled “Zardoz” acknowledged that they were taking a risk with this production. Originally intended as an adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings“, it was a failed project for director John Boorman. Financial backing and interest weren’t available, so what emerged instead was “Zardoz“. With a budget of just 1.57 million dollars (a relatively small amount for that time), Sean Connery joined the cast to revamp his image post-Bond, although Burt Reynolds had initially been chosen. Regardless of Connery’s star power, “Zardoz” only grossed a meager $6,520 at the box office. Comparatively, Boorman’s previous film “Deliverance“, made $46 million domestically on an approximate budget of 2 million dollars, making “Zardoz” seem like a significant misstep for the esteemed filmmaker.
Primarily viewed as a misguided endeavor by director John Boorman, the movie was not well-received by critics. Roger Ebert gave it just two stars, calling it an act of self-indulgence. Nevertheless, on Rotten Tomatoes, Zardoz currently holds a modest 49% “rotten” rating with 37 critic reviews. Despite the mixed reviews, there was still some praise for Sean Connery’s performance and Boorman’s ambition, creativity, and world-building. Years later, Zardoz would gain a cult following, earning the title of “quintessential good bad film” by The Long Take.
Why Zardoz Is a So-Bad-It’s-Good Gem
Zardoz, without a doubt, possesses its share of strengths. It presents a distinctive perspective, tackling intricate subjects such as social stratification intertwined with population control, and the clash between raw instincts and unrestrained intellectualism. This film is deeply rooted in the political climate of the ’70s, exploring fundamental ethical dilemmas through a science fiction lens that remains relevant today. The movie’s themes have sparked extensive analysis, as seen in Anthony Galluzzo’s comprehensive examination in his novel Against the Vortex: Zardoz and Degrowth Utopias in the Seventies and Today (an excerpt can be found via truth dig). For those eager to delve deeper, there is certainly rich content available. However, the film is often overshadowed by an excessive amount of silliness that is challenging to take seriously.
1. “It brings me joy to watch them sprint. I find a sense of unity with Zardoz during their final moments.” (This maintains the original’s tone and meaning, but uses more common, everyday language.)
In a nod to cult film enthusiasts and aficionados of so-bad-it’s-good cinema, Sean Connery’s unique speedo-and-gun-holster ensemble remains an iconic image. However, the overall production of Zardoz, produced on a modest budget, carries a bizarre ‘homemade craft’ feel that can be challenging to accept, particularly when paired with its vibrant use of lighting and mirrors for its sci-fi aspects. The film’s opening scene featuring a giant floating head dispensing weapons has become a source of laughter, even being lampooned in episodes like “Raising Gazorpazorp” from Rick and Morty. Despite some thought-provoking themes present in Zardoz, the sheer silliness of its execution makes it hard to take seriously.
Despite the intriguing and embarrassingly designed aspects, there are some inconsistencies in the dialogue and performances that unintentionally produce humor. For instance, lines such as “The Penis is evil!” followed by “The Gun is Good!” from Connery’s Zed character can make you chuckle. However, the infamous psychic battle scene where characters exclaim “I will not go to second level with you!” is so awkwardly acted and executed that it’s almost unbelievable. It’s one of those sequences that, once seen, cannot be easily forgotten.
Zardoz is a confusing yet intriguing film that warrants repeated viewings; it’s a unique “so bad, it’s good” masterpiece that stands out from films before and after its commercial failure. You can rent Zardoz on Apple TV or YouTube.
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2024-08-29 04:31