Zardoz (1974) - John Boorman

Set in the mid 23rd-century, Zardoz is a surrealistic allegory very much in tune with what was going on in 1970s America.  Sean Connery plays Zed, a member of the Exterminators who are responsible for savagely murdering those deemed less fit.  They answer only to their God, Zardoz, a gigantic flying stone head who orders them to carry out various demands.  When doubt consumes Zed about Zardoz's divinity he discovers a group of immortals who simply wish to exploit the masses.  I've always felt that John Boorman doesn't get enough credit as a director and Zardoz is another fine example.  Being very much in tune with what would be deemed hippy culture of the 1970s, Zardoz touches on themes of sexual oppression, religion and conservationism in unique and crazy ways.  For what Zardoz lacks in budget it makes up in ingenuity, creating a fascinating, trippy world.  The film doesn't get enough credit for its inventive ideas, concepts or visual design, which uses simple household items like mirrors, bed sheets, strings of yarn, etc. to transport the viewer into this unique sci-fi experience.  Zardoz is definitely loaded from a narrative standpoint but the John Boorman's and company's visual design make this film highly enjoyable from start to finish.  I will say that the costume design was one of the weak links of the film, but it's hardly something that took me out of the experience.  Zardoz is loaded with ideas to the point of convolution, but it's more intelligent than it gets credit for, creating a highly original sci-fi adventure.
8/10

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