Review of Killing Zoe (1993) by Geroge P — 04 Sep 2009

Following his first two superb crime dramas, Quentin Tarantino extended himself further by exerting his influence over other directors' work by taking up roles as a writer or producer. The mid-90s saw a wave of films released which employed Q.

T. in a consultant capacity and 'Killing Zoe' is possibly the best known of them. Director Roger Avery tells the story of Eric Stoltz's American 'Zed' (yes, same name as a character from 'Pulp Fiction') and his old friend Eric (played with admirable menace by Jean-Hughes Anglade) who plan to carry out a bank robbery on Bastille Day, July 14th (similar in importance and scope to the USA's July 4th Independence Day celebrations.

UK doesn't have such a day...wonder why...). They believe they can perform under the radar so to speak as the Parisian public will be more concerned with enjoying their Bank Holiday. There is able support from Julie Delpy as a call-girl who gets caught up in the violence and mayhem.

As in 'Reservoir Dogs' (1992), the well-thought through and seemingly water-tight plan shows dangerous signs of leakage as the personalities and power-hungry desires of some characters threatens to rip the gang to shreds.

Certainly not the most subtle or intelligent film but it is of its time and worth watching for its relevance to the genre and era from which it emanates.