We finally get to 1974 science fiction film written, produced, and directed by John Boorman – ZARDOZ! I’ve been putting off podcasting about this one for years because I wanted to take the time to do it right. When it was released the general reception of the film was overwhelmingly negative with critics claiming it to be deeply confusing but in the ensuing decades it has undergone a major reappraisal to become a beloved cult classic. Critics and audiences have always been sharply divided between viewing it as a profound, avant-garde masterpiece or an incredibly pretentious, muddled mess. What do we think of this ambitious work? Oh, there are so many thoughts!
Randy Fox joins me to dig deeply into the layers of subtle and very unsubtly meanings floating around in ZARDOZ. Some areas of conversation prove to be shallow (Sean Connery’s costume) but others show that the film is capable of creating discussions that pose serious questions about the human condition and the societies we build. Certainly, Boorman saw the divide between rich and poor with clear eyes although his solutions seem fairly murky. As you might expect the film is shot-through with ideas and situations that seem possible only in the 1970’s with the hippie overhang of the 60’s being slowly crushed by the inevitable conservative snap-back. But time has shown that the universal concepts the film plays with linger long after the film ends. Packed with images no one had ever conceived before or since, the film must be experienced at least once to determine if it will resonate with your mind. And I need to stop searching for my own private Vortex – with or without Charlotte Rampling! Although I could use a giant floating head for my work commute.
We would love to hear your Second Level thoughts on ZARDOZ or any other film we’ve covered on the show. The address to write is thebloodypit@gmail.com and we’re open 24/7/365. Join us in the mirror maze!
