Backdrop preview The Zone backdrop
The Zone

The Zone (2017)

Looking for a long lost friend, Madeleine talks to a Stalker so that he can take her to «the zone» and help her look into her memories to find him at last. Essay-film hommage to Chris Marker.

Directed by Denys Desjardins

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Denys Desjardins
  • Syned Sindrajed

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Thematic Analysis

As a science fiction narrative, The Zone explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.

Director Denys Desjardins brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Zone took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 103 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 323 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
  • The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2017, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Zone shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Spencer Tracy Legacy: A Tribute by Katharine Hepburn, which focuses more on action than character development, The Zone subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Arne Sucksdorff: Uma Vida Documentando a Vida and Billy Wilder: The Human Comedy explore similar territory, The Zone stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: October 5, 2017
  • Runtime: 1h 20m