In honor of Ed Symkus' fave Marathon film ever. Here is a Den of Geek piece on some of ZARDOZ' oddest bits:

http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/974998/a_celebration_of_the_strangest_moments_in_zardoz.html


http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lk2zstjnkv1qgc0pho1_400.jpg

     Wow!  Now heres a movie I havent run in ages.  And, boy, it's berserko.
     Boorman must have been on LSD when he went to work on this one.  I prefer some of his other films: Point Blank, The Emerald Forest, Excalibur.

there's a director commentary on the dvd? this i must get. "at the time i really felt i had no choice here. i had to follow the script. sean would allways be giving me his angry faced 'let's get on with it' look"

For the record, ZARDOZ has played the Marathon twice. It was the "new" movie at the very first Marathon (it was about 2 years old at the time of the marathon. Heck, it was the only film on the schedule less than 8 yrs. old. Things have changed, eh?). It also showed back during the Coolidge Corner years at SF/17.
So, nearly two decades - time for a return?


http://366weirdmovies.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/zardoz.jpg

Sean, wake up! The movie ain't over yet........

Point Blank, oh yea.  There is one to consider for a future showing at Somerville.  Pair it with Get Carter (and I don't mean the re-make). 

As for Zardoz, it is so crazy, arrogant and trippy that I think that we should see it again. 

We need to bring back the Zardoz costume contest.

Caleb451 wrote on Nov 14^th, 2011 at 9:20pm:

We need to bring back the Zardoz costume contest.

We never actually held a ZardoZ costume contest. Although -- we have tried to coerce Ed Symkus and Joe Neff into wearing Sean's awesome outfit:

http://digitalmedia.arts.ufl.edu/gal/d/2580-2/zardoz.jpg

From Left to Right: Ed, Joe & Caleb

L.A. Connection wrote on Nov 13^th, 2011 at 2:29pm:

For the record, ZARDOZ has played the Marathon twice. It was the "new" movie at the very first Marathon (it was about 2 years old at the time of the marathon. Heck, it was the only film on the schedule less than 8 yrs. old. Things have changed, eh?). It also showed back during the Coolidge Corner years at SF/17. So, nearly two decades - time for a return?

Someone help me, please.  I have seen this film twice (that I can remember).  The second time I think I left the hall a few times during its incredibly long running time, but it is a fascinating epic (mind-numbingly silly) production that could only have been made within its own mid-1970s time frame.
Since my film-going windows of opportunity are relatively narrow, I believe I saw the film both times at a Marathon.  I also believe that, since I moved back to Boston in the spring of 1976, I missed BSFFM#1, starting my lengthy affair with the event at #2. 
So, my quandry naturally becomes how I could have started at #2 (missing the first showing of Zardoz) and still have seen it twice.  Could it have been shown at #2 and #17 (in which case my math and memory both work out right)? :-X

Well, I did go back and checked my archives of Past Marathon Printed Programs, and ZARDOZ is definately listed as having played at SF/1, and I am witness to it having shown at SF/17 (and have the printed program as well). So, the Filmography is correct on Z. It's possible you saw somewhere else like the Harvard Sq. or the Welles itself.

Here is the Filmography link again: http://sf.theboard.net/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1319772249/0#0


Jon wrote on Nov 16^th, 2011 at 1:28pm:

L.A. Connection wrote on Nov 13th, 2011 at 2:29pm: For the record, ZARDOZ has played the Marathon twice. It was the "new" movie at the very first Marathon (it was about 2 years old at the time of the marathon. Heck, it was the only film on the schedule less than 8 yrs. old. Things have changed, eh?). It also showed back during the Coolidge Corner years at SF/17. So, nearly two decades - time for a return? Someone help me, please.  I have seen this film twice (that I can remember).  The second time I think I left the hall a few times during its incredibly long running time, but it is a fascinating epic (mind-numbingly silly) production that could only have been made within its own mid-1970s time frame. Since my film-going windows of opportunity are relatively narrow, I believe I saw the film both times at a Marathon.  I also believe that, since I moved back to Boston in the spring of 1976, I missed BSFFM#1, starting my lengthy affair with the event at #2.  So, my quandry naturally becomes how I could have started at #2 (missing the first showing of Zardoz) and still have seen it twice.  Could it have been shown at #2 and #17 (in which case my math and memory both work out right)? :-X

Jon wrote on Nov 16^th, 2011 at 1:28pm:

Someone help me, please.  I have seen this film twice...

If you tell us where you live maybe we can find you a support group. With help you may still be able to lead a normal life.

Well, maybe normal is too much to expect. But...a life.

I remember one of the guys in my group at SF 17 saying it was the most painful movie of that 'thon.If you do find a support group,let me know and I'll pass it along.

Wait, did someone say ZARDOZ?  That most magical of all magic words that can summon me back to the board?  Well, you all know my thoughts on the matter (c'mon Ed, back me up here...Ed.....Ed?)

The big Z was actually mooted for this past year's Columbus Marathon, but apparently Fox's print that showed in Cleveland several years back is either no longer playable or has been pulled from distribution.  And with Fox's recent announcement to exhibitors that they're phasing out 35mm prints for both new and repertory titles, I wouldn't hold my breath for a new print to materialize.

I did inquire about a possible collector print last year on a programmer's forum I belong to, but the only hit I received was for a print in New Zealand with a mag track soundtrack.

Joe Neff wrote on Nov 17^th, 2011 at 7:42pm:

I did inquire about a possible collector print last year on a programmer's forum I belong to, but the only hit I received was for a print in New Zealand with a mag track soundtrack.

     If all goes well, I should have the equipment to run mag soon!  But the colour on that print will have faded completely, alas.

Metaluna wrote on Nov 16^th, 2011 at 10:20pm:

Jon wrote on Nov 16th, 2011 at 1:28pm: Someone help me, please.  I have seen this film twice... If you tell us where you live maybe we can find you a support group. With help you may still be able to lead a normal life. Well, maybe normal is too much to expect. But...a life.

Yes.  Thanks so much.  I have heard there is such a group -- it meets on some sort of floating rock.  You can only join the group when it passes overhead, but I've heard they do have a good time.
:D

I remember when ZARDOZ played at SF/17 (1993?) that there was a pretty vocal reaction! Garen got up and asked the crowd what they thought of it. There was lots of boos and hissing (some loud cheers and claps, too). Garen used his ole "I love it when your angry" retort.
Hey, it IS a Love it or Leave it kind of film. But, that can be a good thing at the Marathon. You don't want the audience to just sit there and shrug.

Yes...or as the kids on the interwebs say "THIS."  You might not like ZARDOZ, but as a group viewing experience it would at least be interesting and perhaps unpredictable.

Joe Neff wrote on Nov 28^th, 2011 at 9:30pm:

You might not like ZARDOZ, but as a group viewing experience it would at least be interesting and perhaps unpredictable.

     Oh, it would be predictable, all right.  I predict youd see a lot of faces with WTF??? expressions on them! :D

Please let's LEAVE IT!  No Zardoz.  Case closed.  Thanks!

i never watched the entire zardoz until it played at the marathon. on the whole it's a bad movie but a very positive marathon experience. the revelation of what zardoz is becomes a group wtf moment. and the audience reaction to the wordless epilogue was howls of laughter. i'd say save zardoz for a sean connery honorarium.

Dragonator wrote on Dec 4^th, 2011 at 7:17pm:

Please let's LEAVE IT!  No Zardoz.  Case closed.  Thanks!

Your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.

Dragonator wrote on Dec 4^th, 2011 at 7:17pm:

Please let's LEAVE IT!  No Zardoz.  Case closed.  Thanks!

Sounds like a ringing Endorsement to me!! If it's that 'controversial' - we NEED to show it!

http://www.aclosetwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/happy_face_new.jpg

L.A. Connection wrote on Dec 5^th, 2011 at 12:03am:

Sounds like a ringing Endorsement to me!! If it's that 'controversial' - we NEED to show it!

     Tony, no offense or anything, but what is with this screaming desire of yours to show the worst slime-encrusted flotsam you can exhume?
     Zardoz is a lousy movie.  You wont be able to secure a print, because it's from Fox, & Fox has been scrapping all the release prints of their back titles for years, now.  The rest have been thrown over to Criterion, and, even if they somehow do have a print, it will be an original, and -- once again -- it will be FADED.  So, not only a crummy movie, but crummy presentation on top of it!  Not cool, Tony, not cool.  (Maybe you could secure a vault print from Fox, but the chances are very high that the colour in it, too, will have turned.)
     Why not unearth Blood Beach, for Chissakes?  Or Boogeyman?  Or My Bloody Valentine?  Or Event Horizon?  You could fill the entire thon with crap!  (Not that anything we say on this board matters, cause Garen never even glances at it.)
     Why not concentrate on some fun, decent flicks that everyone can enjoy, instead of promoting titles that are insipid, boring, dated, & narcolepsy-inducing?  There are plenty of them out there, but they dont include frigging Zardoz & Rollerball.

David the Projectionist wrote on Dec 5^th, 2011 at 10:30am:

You could fill the entire thon with crap!

we did that one year back in the early 90's or late 80's. i think it was the year we showed starbeast. i still had a good time.

should we have a like button?

Quote:

David the Projectionist:    what is with this screaming desire of yours to show the worst slime-encrusted flotsam you can exhume?...You could fill the entire thon with crap!...promoting titles that are insipid, boring, dated, & narcolepsy-inducing?

Dave, I get the feeling you may not be altogether happy with the proposed films. I'm all for Zardoz, Brainwaves, Rollerball etc. and even propose a theme:

"2012: The Year We Stick It to Dave the Projectionist!" ;)

Hey, wasn't Dave all for "so bad it's good" last year?  I wonder what prompted the change of heart; was he stuck playing Transformers 3 on the main screen for a month or something this summer?

R_F_Fineman wrote on Dec 5^th, 2011 at 2:17pm:

Dave, I get the feeling you may not be altogether happy with the proposed films. I'm all for Zardoz, Brainwaves, Rollerball etc. and even propose a theme: "2012: The Year We Stick It to Dave the Projectionist!" ;)

I would so buy that T shirt.

poor dave.

First of all, I started this thread as a sop to Ed Symkus who always likes to bring up ZARDOZ as his pet Marathon film. I wouldn't mind seeing it again either. By the way - WHERE is Ed???? I've tried emailing him and sending a message via Facebook.

Second, Fox struck a new ZARDOZ print in 2008 and it's played L.A.. It also has played within the last year or two in other venues.

ed has gone hollywood.

Quote:

I would so buy that T shirt.

Take Dave's picture, manipulate it in Photoshop to look like this:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/Clockwork.jpg ;)

R_F_Fineman wrote on Dec 5^th, 2011 at 2:17pm:

"2012: The Year We Stick It to Dave the Projectionist!" ;)

     Yes, yes!  Such a good idea!  But dont complain when Dave the Projectionist sticks it back to YOU!
     Reels out of order, mixed reels, incorrect sound formats, sound too low, unable to focus, out of frame, tsk, tsk, tsk.
     Payback, she is a bitch!  ;)


Metaluna wrote on Dec 5^th, 2011 at 2:46pm:

I would so buy that T shirt.

     So would I!

R_F_Fineman wrote on Dec 5^th, 2011 at 5:10pm:

Take Dave's picture, manipulate it in Photoshop to look like this:

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/Clockwork.jpg

     Great!  (As long as I start receiving his royalties!)

L.A. Connection wrote on Dec 5^th, 2011 at 3:24pm:

Second, Fox struck a new ZARDOZ print in 2008 and it's played L.A.. It also has played within the last year or two in other venues.

     Did not know that; learn something new every day; still getting more & more difficult to get prints out of Fox & Warner.
     And I still think it's a bad choice!

Jay Seaver wrote on Dec 5^th, 2011 at 2:29pm:

Hey, wasn't Dave all for "so bad it's good" last year?

     But I am for good bad movies!  The more the merrier!  It's just that I think Rollerball & Zardoz are BAD bad movies!
     Difference!

Quote:

By the way - WHERE is Ed???? [quote]ed has gone hollywood.

[/quote]

We can say we knew him when!
The Ed Symkus T-shirt! Get em' while supplies last! ;)

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/EdSymkusShirt.jpg

http://www.fashionpunk.com/Woody_Allen.html ;)
Just kidding Ed! ;)

There isn't a movie called "Starbeast". Perhaps, you mean STAR CRYSTAL? That would 1993 's SF/18. Yeah, there was a lot of schlock in the lineup:

20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA
ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI
AELITA QUEEN OF MARS-ALLOY ORCHESTRA LIVE
BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES
BREAKFAST OF ALIENS
CATWOMEN OF THE MOON
FORTRESS
GALAXINA
INVADERS FROM MARS (1953)
MANT (b/w movie within movie from feature, MATINEE)
SPACE PATROL (episodes)
STAR CRYSTAL
STARCRASH

At least there was 20,000 LEAGUES, BANZAI, APES, the original classic INVADERS FROM MARS and that great Alloy Orchestra performance for AELITA to class things up. Stuart Gordon also gave us a sneak screening of FORTRESS.


http://www.mjsimpson.co.uk/reviews/Resources/starcr8.jpeg

kirok wrote on Dec 5^th, 2011 at 12:23pm:

David the Projectionist wrote on Dec 5th, 2011 at 10:30am:     You could fill the entire thon with crap!  we did that one year back in the early 90's or late 80's. i think it was the year we showed starbeast. i still had a good time.

vote for one or all 3

David the Projectionist wrote on Dec 5^th, 2011 at 5:15pm:

R_F_Fineman wrote on Dec 5th, 2011 at 2:17pm: "2012: The Year We Stick It to Dave the Projectionist!" ;)      Yes, yes!  Such a good idea!  But dont complain when Dave the Projectionist sticks it back to YOU!      Reels out of order, mixed reels, incorrect sound formats, sound too low, unable to focus, out of frame, tsk, tsk, tsk.      Payback, she is a bitch!  ;) Metaluna wrote on Dec 5th, 2011 at 2:46pm: I would so buy that T shirt.      So would I!

i don't think reels out of order would make any difference with zardoz.

it is time to consult the SIRI: "is zardoz a good movie?"

kirok wrote on Dec 6^th, 2011 at 12:16pm:

i don't think reels out of order would make any difference with zardoz.

     Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!  Oh, yes!   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
     Good one, Kirok!  You are soooooo right!  Brownie points for you!
     Zardoz: the movie you cant make more incomprehensible, even if you try!

Kirok:

Quote:

it is time to consult the SIRI: "is zardoz a good movie?"

Amazon give it five stars!
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for an in-between wax
http://www.amazon.com/Zardoz-Not-Wax/product-reviews/B0009WOAX2/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt/180-0285290-3232228?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
As it turns out you can put it on your skis and snowboard for better performance! Must be why prints are hard to find.;)

Siri has this to say:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t214/Karen_Tom/Movies/Klatuu.png

OK -- Here we go. I can't believe this thread even exists! I'm honored!!! For the record, I've never said "Zardoz" is my favorite Marathon film. Yes, I've seen it eight times, but who's counting? And for another record, I couldn't sit here and tell any of you what the hell it's about. Incomprehensible? Yeah, that's probably the right word. But it has Charlotte Rampling and Sara Kestelman in it! And the whole thing is, err, umm, oddly entertaining, and spectacularly violent. I'm all for watching it again, with you. One more thing: I got to meet and chat with Charlotte Rampling at the Toronto International Film Festival this year. Yes, I got the autograph, but I didn't have any "Zardoz" stills. She signed one from "Angel Heart."

Welcome back, Ed.

I didn't mean to imply ZARDOZ was your very favorite Marathon film, but it has become custom here to parry back and forth over its merits, and Ed has been one of its strongest champions.

Speaking of Charlotte Rampling, she's the subject of a new documentary called CHARLOTTE RAMPLING: THE LOOK

(trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj2ApqJtvbA).

I saw a review which bemoans the fact that ZARDOZ isn't even mentioned in the doc! What!!? A movie about Rampling as a style icon but no mntion of her dressed like:

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lurpbgDvhL1qa1iiqo1_500.jpg

http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1606/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1606-153371.jpg

Her eyes are absolutely amazing. I could've fallen into them.

....speaking of ZARDOZ. New article on the film from England:

Ben Wheatley on Zardoz
The 'Sightseers’ and 'Kill List’ director Ben Wheatley explains why John Boorman’s Seventies sci-fi Zardoz is utterly unbelievable.

Zardoz (1974) has one of the greatest opening sequences of all time. A giant head flies down onto some grassy plains where all these guys are riding on horseback, including Sean Connery. Guns shoot out of the mouth of the huge head at the riders. It’s utterly incredible.

The film is known for the amazing outfit Connery wears as the main character. It was very brave of one of the world’s biggest actors to wear a red mankini with thigh-high boots.

Connery plays the character of Zed totally seriously, and pulls it off with such panache. The film isn’t a spoof – it’s serious, psychedelic science fiction. ...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-blog/9730161/Ben-Wheatley-on-Zardoz.html

"Beyond 1984. Beyond 2001. Beyond Love. Beyond Death"

That's a quote from the poster for Zardoz and I remember it without having to look it up online.
I saw it in its original theater release, I read the NOVELIZATION!
MAKE THE VOICES STOP! Or at least stop the scottish accent.

BTW in one of the Simpson's books its revealed Comic Book Guy has a Zardoz head hanging lamp.   :D