Cast
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Oliver Reed
as Russ
Geraldine Chaplin
as Carol
Don Gordon
as George
Diane Cilento
as Edna
David Markham
as Dr. Herrick
Bill Nagy
as The President
Sheila Reid
as Mary Herrick
Aubrey Woods
as Dr. Mallory
Wayne Rodda
as Metromart Salesman
Ditte Maria Wiberg
as Telescreen Operator
Birgitte Federspiel
as Psychiatrist
Lone Lindorff
as Mother
Belinda Donkin
as Daughter
Claus Nissen
as Guard
Jeff Slocombe
as Guard
Crew
Director
- Michael Campus
Writer
- Frank De Felitta
- Max Ehrlich
Producer
- Tom Madigan
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Our planet is over-populated so the government introduces a strict no offspring policy. We must all make do with robot babies - anyone caught trying to have a real child gets shot! "Russ" (Oliver Reed) and "Carol" (Geraldine Chaplin) are determined to have a child, though, and the feature follows their escapades as they try to conceive and to keep their baby and themselves from the pervasive eyes and ears of the State. The concept is quite original, and it obviously spawned quite a few sequels (not least "Logan's Run" in 1976), but the execution and production really do let this down. Diane Cilento was a stunning woman to look at, but here, as was frequently the case, her acting - especially about something quite so visceral - lacks emotion or passion, indeed a robot baby might just have suited her character quite well. There's a decent amount of jeopardy as they try to escape with their bairn, and the socio-political criticism of a society that has lost any semblance of free will is writ large, but the whole thing is listless and, frankly, Reed is not the least convincing either. Pity - had potential, just undelivered.
May 28, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Z.P.G. 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 Michael Campus 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 1972, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Z.P.G. took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1566 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 51 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1972, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Z.P.G. 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 Black Hole, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Z.P.G. subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Metropolis and Possessor explore similar territory, Z.P.G. stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 25, 1972
- Runtime: 1h 37m
