Introduction

Zardoz is a 1974 British science fiction film directed by John Boorman. Boorman’s direction and imaginative storytelling create a unique and unsettling atmosphere throughout the film.

Zardoz stands out to me as a favorite due to its thought-provoking themes and visually stunning presentation.

The film is set in a dystopian future where a brutal and primitive society worships a god-like figure called Zardoz, and the Eternals, a group of immortals who live in a paradisiacal environment. The protagonist, Zed, played by Sean Connery, is a savage warrior who discovers the truth behind Zardoz and challenges the established order.

Plot Summary

Here’s a detailed plot overview of “Zardoz”:

Act 1:

The film begins with an enormous floating stone head, named Zardoz, appearing in the sky and addressing a group of Brutals. Zardoz, controlled by an elite group of Eternals, declares that “The Gun is Good, The Penis is Evil,” and encourages the Brutals to worship the weapon and use it to control their own population.

Among the Brutals is Zed, a fierce warrior who manages to stow away inside Zardoz. As Zardoz lands, Zed emerges and finds himself in the midst of the Eternals’ idyllic community, the Vortex. The Eternals are fascinated by Zed’s presence and consider him an intriguing anomaly.

Act 2:

Zed is taken captive by a group of Eternals led by Consuella (played by Charlotte Rampling) and May (played by Sara Kestelman). They subject Zed to various experiments and tests, attempting to understand his physiology and his aggressive nature. Zed also discovers that the Eternals have achieved immortality through advanced technology, relying on crystals known as the Tabernacle to regulate their lives.

Gradually, Zed starts challenging the Eternals’ beliefs and their stagnant lifestyle. He befriends a disillusioned Eternal named Friend (played by John Alderton), who shares his doubts about the Vortex society. Friend reveals that the Eternals’ immortality has led to a loss of purpose and vitality.

Act 3:

Zed manages to escape his captivity and explores the Vortex, witnessing the hollow lives of the Eternals. He meets a group of renegade Eternals who reject their society’s passivity and seek to die by aging naturally. They explain to Zed that the Tabernacle, which sustains the Eternals’ immortality, is a central computer controlling their lives.

Driven by his curiosity and desire for change, Zed infiltrates the Tabernacle and confronts Arthur Frayn (played by Niall Buggy), the creator of Zardoz and the controlling force behind the Eternals. Zed discovers that Frayn is dying and wishes to transfer his consciousness into Zed’s body to experience death.

Act 4:

Zed eventually agrees to Frayn’s plan, and they merge minds within the Tabernacle. Through this union, Zed gains immense knowledge and insight into the nature of existence and consciousness. He realizes that the Eternals’ fear of death has resulted in their stagnant and purposeless existence.

Zed emerges from the Tabernacle, now transformed into a wise and enlightened being. He encourages the Eternals to embrace death and reintroduce change and mortality to their lives. The Eternals, inspired by Zed’s revelations, decide to end their immortality and venture out into the wasteland to experience life and death firsthand.

The film concludes with Zed, now a timeless being, wandering the wasteland alongside Consuella, who has chosen to accompany him. They represent the bridge between the past and the future, as humanity begins to rebuild and rediscover its purpose in a world no longer divided by class.

Analysis

“Zardoz” is a complex and thought-provoking film that explores themes of immortality, the search for meaning, societal control, and the consequences of stagnation. It delves into questions of what it means to be human, the value of mortality, and the importance of change and evolution.

Throughout the narrative, “Zardoz” challenges traditional societal structures and norms. The film critiques the notion of a ruling elite imposing their will on the masses and explores the dangers of complacency and the fear of death. The Eternals, despite their immortality, have become detached and purposeless, devoid of the experiences and struggles that define the human condition.

Zed serves as the catalyst for change within this stagnant society. Initially a pawn of the Eternals’ control system, he gradually awakens to the oppressive nature of their existence. His journey from a brutish warrior to an enlightened being parallels humanity’s potential for growth and transformation. By merging with Frayn’s consciousness, Zed gains wisdom and understanding, which he uses to challenge the Eternals’ worldview and inspire them to embrace change.

The film’s visual style and symbolism contribute to its thematic exploration. The contrasting landscapes of the Vortex and the wasteland represent the division between the privileged and the marginalized. The floating stone head of Zardoz itself is a potent symbol, representing the false idol that perpetuates control and subjugation.

“Zardoz” remains a polarizing film, known for its unconventional narrative, striking visuals, and philosophical undertones. It confronts the audience with existential questions about the nature of humanity, society, and the search for purpose.

While its complex themes and surreal imagery may require multiple viewings to fully grasp, “Zardoz” offers a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience that challenges conventional storytelling and pushes the boundaries of science fiction.

Reception

Upon its release in 1974, “Zardoz” received a mixed critical reception. The film’s unconventional narrative, surreal visuals, and philosophical themes divided both critics and audiences, leading to a wide range of opinions.

Here is an overview of the critical reception to “Zardoz”:

• Positive Reception: Some critics praised “Zardoz” for its ambitious vision and thought-provoking ideas. They commended the film’s willingness to tackle complex philosophical themes and explore unconventional storytelling. The imaginative production design, striking visuals, and Sean Connery’s committed performance as Zed were often highlighted as strengths. These positive reviews appreciated the film’s boldness and its challenge to conventional science fiction narratives.
• Negative Reception: However, “Zardoz” also faced substantial negative criticism. Many critics found the film confusing, overly abstract, and inaccessible. They criticized its fragmented plot, convoluted symbolism, and philosophical musings, arguing that the film prioritized style over substance. Some considered it pretentious or self-indulgent, failing to effectively communicate its ideas to the audience. The unconventional costumes, particularly Connery’s revealing outfit, were met with derision and seen as distractions from the narrative.
• Cult Status and Reevaluation: Over time, “Zardoz” gained a cult following and experienced a reevaluation among audiences and critics alike. Some viewers began to appreciate the film’s unique vision and its exploration of existential themes. Its distinct visual style, challenging narrative, and thought-provoking ideas found resonance with those seeking unconventional science fiction. As a result, “Zardoz” became known as a cult classic, admired for its audacity and its willingness to defy genre expectations.

In retrospect, “Zardoz” is often considered an intriguing artifact of 1970s science fiction cinema, representing a bold experimentation with both style and substance.

While its critical reception was mixed upon release, the film has since garnered a reputation for its ambition and its ability to provoke discussions about humanity, mortality, and societal structures. It continues to be analyzed and debated, with its unconventional approach and thematic depth appealing to those interested in exploring the boundaries of science fiction storytelling.

Contemporary View

Taking a contemporary reading of “Zardoz” using modern attitudes allows us to reinterpret the film’s themes and ideas in light of current societal and cultural contexts. Here are some possible perspectives:

• Power Structures and Inequality: “Zardoz” can be seen as a critique of power structures and social inequality that are still prevalent today. The division between the Eternals and the Brutals reflects the growing wealth gap and the disparities in access to resources and opportunities. The film’s exploration of a ruling elite manipulating and controlling the masses resonates with contemporary discussions on systemic oppression and the concentration of power in the hands of a few.
• Gender and Objectification: The provocative portrayal of gender and sexuality in “Zardoz” can be reexamined through a contemporary lens. The film’s depiction of women primarily as sexual objects, particularly with the revealing outfits, raises questions about objectification and the male gaze. A modern interpretation could explore the film’s potential to critique and challenge gender norms and examine the representation of women as more than just objects of desire.
• Environmental Concerns: The wasteland depicted in “Zardoz” can be viewed as a metaphor for environmental degradation and the consequences of human impact on the planet. The film’s portrayal of a desolate and polluted landscape highlights the urgent need for environmental consciousness and sustainable practices in the face of ecological crises. This interpretation can prompt discussions on climate change, resource depletion, and the responsibility we bear for the future of our planet.
• Technological Advancement and Alienation: “Zardoz” raises questions about the impact of technological advancement on human connection and authenticity. In a hyperconnected world, where virtual interactions and social media dominate, the film’s exploration of the Eternals’ detached existence serves as a cautionary tale. It encourages reflection on the potential alienation and loss of genuine human connection in an increasingly digitized society.
• Existentialism and Meaning: The film’s existential themes remain relevant in contemporary times. “Zardoz” prompts contemplation on the meaning of life, the pursuit of purpose, and the fear of death. In a fast-paced and often superficial world, the film’s challenge to embrace change, confront mortality, and find authentic purpose can resonate with individuals seeking deeper existential reflections.

A contemporary reading of “Zardoz” allows for a reinterpretation of its themes and ideas, connecting them to the present-day issues and concerns that shape our understanding of society, technology, inequality, and the human condition. It invites us to engage in critical conversations and reflections on the relevance and implications of the film’s messages in our contemporary context.

“Zardoz” has left a lasting legacy in the realm of science fiction and has influenced subsequent films and contemporary equivalents in various ways. Here are some aspects of its legacy:

• Cult Following: Over the years, “Zardoz” has gained a dedicated cult following that appreciates its unconventional narrative, striking visuals, and philosophical undertones. Its cult status has kept the film alive in discussions of offbeat science fiction and experimental cinema.
• Influence on Filmmakers: “Zardoz” has inspired and influenced several filmmakers and their works. Its imaginative production design, surreal visuals, and thematic depth have left an imprint on subsequent science fiction films. Filmmakers like Terry Gilliam, David Lynch, and Nicolas Winding Refn have cited “Zardoz” as an influence on their own works.
• Exploration of Existential Themes: The film’s exploration of existential themes, such as the meaning of life, mortality, and the search for purpose, has influenced subsequent science fiction films that delve into similar philosophical territory. Works like “The Matrix” (1999) and “Ex Machina” (2014) tackle existential questions and blur the lines between reality and illusion.
• Dystopian Societies and Power Dynamics: “Zardoz” contributes to the tradition of dystopian narratives that examine oppressive societies and power dynamics. Its depiction of a divided society and the exploration of social control and inequality have influenced films like “Blade Runner” (1982), “The Hunger Games” series (2012-2015), and “Snowpiercer” (2013).
• Surreal and Ambiguous Storytelling: The film’s surreal and ambiguous storytelling approach has had an impact on filmmakers who explore unconventional narrative structures and visual styles. Works by directors such as Darren Aronofsky (“The Fountain,” 2006) and Denis Villeneuve (“Arrival,” 2016) showcase elements of ambiguity and non-linear storytelling reminiscent of “Zardoz.”

Contemporary equivalents to “Zardoz” can be found in films that challenge traditional science fiction storytelling, explore philosophical themes, and present visually striking and thought-provoking narratives.

Examples include “Annihilation” (2018), “Under the Skin” (2013), and “Ex Machina” (2014), which share a willingness to push boundaries and engage with complex ideas in the genre.

In summary, “Zardoz” has a legacy as a cult classic that has influenced subsequent films and filmmakers in terms of its unconventional storytelling, philosophical exploration, and visual style. Its impact can be seen in works that tackle existential themes, dystopian societies, surreal narratives, and non-traditional science fiction storytelling.