Zardoz, the mustache-tastic scifi magnum opus of 1974? (scifi film retrospective)
Ah, 1974. The year of the Watergate scandal, the energy crisis, and, most importantly, the cinematic masterpiece that is Zardoz. This sci-fi gem, directed by John Boorman and starring Sean Connery in a red diaper and suspenders, has withstood the test of time, remaining relevant and thought-provoking even today. Well, at least in our wildest fever dreams.
Zardoz, in all its mustache-tastic glory, is a film that takes viewers on a journey to a post-apocalyptic future. A future where humanity is divided into two distinct groups: the privileged immortals living in a utopian society called the Vortex, and the oppressed Brutals who, well, brutalize one another in an anarchic wasteland. But fear not, dear reader, for this timeless tale of societal divide is not without its saving grace – a giant floating stone head that spews guns and proclaims, “The gun is good. The penis is evil.”
If that doesn’t scream “profound social commentary” to you, I don’t know what will.
Our hero, Zed (played by the ever-suave Sean Connery), is an Exterminator – a Brutal whose job is to keep the population in check by dispatching his fellow savages with guns supplied by Zardoz. In an inexplicable turn of events, Zed finds himself inside the floating stone head, proving once and for all that curiosity didn’t just kill the cat – it also led to Sean Connery donning a red loincloth.
Once inside the Vortex, Zed encounters a society of eternally bored immortals, who spend their days engaging in telepathic orgies and contemplating the meaning of life. Because, when you’ve got all the time in the world, why not ponder deep existential questions like, “Why did I sign up for this film?”
Our mustachioed protagonist, in a bid to bring some excitement to this dreary utopia, shakes things up by introducing the immortals to the concept of mortality. In doing so, he not only challenges their stagnant existence but also turns the entire social order on its head. And all while wearing a red diaper, no less!
Zardoz is a film that has it all: bizarre costumes, telepathic orgies, and enough pretentious dialogue to make a philosophy major weep. If you’re looking for a movie that leaves you questioning your sanity and wondering if the filmmakers were high when they came up with the concept, look no further.
This silly film is a must-watch for any fan of the absurd and surreal. It’s a film that teaches us valuable life lessons, like how not to style your facial hair or how to successfully pull off a red loincloth ensemble. So gather your friends, pop some popcorn, and prepare to be amazed by the spectacle that is Zardoz – the cinematic equivalent of a fever dream you can’t help but love.
