Review of Z (1969) by Kenneth L — 12 Dec 2010

This film sets the gold standard for political thrillers and another great addition to the Criterion Collection. This is one of those social injustice movies that will probably have you on the edge of your seat and at times might even make you mad, wanting to shout at the screen while despicable characters seem likely to get away with premeditated murder, politically-motivated assassination, lies, witness intimidation, collusion and a cover-up sanctioned by authorities. The film is extremely well-made and has a great score, though the interjections of the wife's occasional sudden mini-flashbacks might take a little bit of getting used to. It's a must-see movie that should probably be shown in schools all around the world as a cautionary tale about corrupt political regimes.

While I still need to see MIDNIGHT COWBOY (my library's copies are 'missing'), this is probably the best film of 1969, though I'm also partial to Rohmer's MY NIGHT AT MAUD'S, Bertolucci's THE CONFORMIST, Melville's ARMY OF SHADOWS, Peckinpah's THE WILD BUNCH, Chabrol's THIS MAN MUST DIE, and the British comedy THE OBLONG BOX.