Cast
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Parviz Parastouei
as Reza
Bahram Ibrahimi
as Mojaver
Shahrokh Foroutanian
as Hajji Reza Ahmadi
Farideh Sepah Mansour
as Motazedi's Mother
Maede Tahmasbi
as Ozra
Ali Abedini
as Jackson
Bahram Ebrahimi
as Mojaver
Cryus Hemati
as Mojtaba
Mehran Rajabi
as Mohandes Shojaei
Soheila Razavi
as Fayezeh's Mother
Sepehr Rezanoor
as The boy
Reza Saeedi
as Sargord Atef
Naqi Seif-Jamali
as Mr. Fazli
Hossein Soleymani
as Gholamali
Rana Azadivar
as Fayezeh
Crew
Director
- Kamal Tabrizi
Writer
- Peyman Ghasemkhani
Producer
- Manouchehr Mohammadi
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Comedy film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Lizard distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director Kamal Tabrizi 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 2004, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Lizard took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 215 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2004, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Lizard 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 Professional, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Lizard subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Out of Sight and Down by Law explore similar territory, The Lizard 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: February 4, 2004
- Runtime: 1h 51m
