Zardoz

Zardoz is a 1974 Irish-American science fantasy film, and later a book, written, produced, and directed by John Boorman and starring Sean Connery and Charlotte Rampling. It depicts a post apocalyptic world where barbarians worship a stone god called Zardoz, who has the power to grant either death or eternal life. The extras were played entirely by members of Irish Travelling community.

About Zardoz in brief

Summary Zardoz Zardoz is a 1974 Irish-American science fantasy film, and later a book, written, produced, and directed by John Boorman and starring Sean Connery and Charlotte Rampling. The film was shot by cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth on a budget of US$1. 57 million. It depicts a post apocalyptic world where barbarians worship a stone god called Zardoz, who has the power to grant either death or eternal life. In this future dystopia, while the Brutals live in a wasteland, their overlords luxuriate in the Vortex, apparently as self-satisfied as landed gentry. The extras were played entirely by members of Irish Travelling community. Boorman says it was a very indulgent and personal film, but one he admits he may not have had the budget to properly achieve. While praised for its ambition and scope, critics found the film to be either unconvincing or confusing. It has since been the subject of re-appraisal and become a cult classic, recognised as \”one of the wildest, most ambitious films of the 1970s. The LA Times concluded that Boorman achieved his vision to a degree, and that ‘for fans of wild science fiction, the film is a trippy examination of what happens when intellect overpowers humanity and humans taste immortality’. Lough Tay features prominently in the film, as does the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation, Hollybrook Hall in Kilmacanogue, and Luggala mountain – which lies near Boorman’s home in Annamoe – for the dramatic wasteland sequences.

In creating the bizarre imagery and visual pyrotechnics, Boorman said in the commentary that there was no lab work. Everything was done on the spot, using shadow lenses, projections, mirrors and other techniques. Many of the crew and supporting actors were Irish, including Bosco Hogan, Bairbre Dowling, Christopher Casson and Niall Buggy, who played Arthur FraynZardaz, and appears as a disembodied head which floats across the screen – slowly getting larger – while delivering a monologue in the movie’s prologue. Burt Reynolds was originally given the role, but when he pulled out, Sean Con Clancy, in his post-Bond phase of reinvention, signed on. Overcoming a psychic powers, they make him a prisoner within their community, led by Consuella and May, who want to destroy him. However, Zed refuses to accept the status quo and his place among the oppressed, embarking on a journey that explores the theme of genetic engineering and exposes the devastating truth about the corrupt society he lives in. The Eternals created Zardaz to control the Brutal, inciting them to mass murder. The Brutals are led by the immortal Consuellas, who live in the wasteland, growing food for the EternALS, leading a luxurious but aimless existence on grounds of a country estate.