Z
Based on real events the film boldy declares any similarities to real people or events is intentional. It begins with a political rally where a left wing candidate is assasinated, the authorities try to paint it as a tragic accident however an autopsy is orderd and points towards a deliberate assault. The film then follows the investigations of the investigative magistrate (Jean-louis Trintignant) who begins to realise the death is actually an assasination by a right wing military junta looking to seize power.
Z is an incredible, documentary style thriller that feels inspired by The battle of Algiers in its approach and has to have had some inspiration on new wave Hollywood directors like william Friedkin. The Australian DVD from Umbrella looks great and is region free and should actually be affordable. Well worth picking up.
The French connection
Decided to double bill Z with this. Like Z it takes a documentary style approach to delivering the story as we follow Popeye Doyle (Gene Hackman) and his partner (Roy Scheider) following through a case on gut instinct and uncovering a huge Heroin deal. I don't really need to sell this to anyone as most people here will have seen it but if your multi region then grab the Filmakers signature series release as its great, though its worth keeping hold of the UK release for the Mark Kermode documentary.
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