The Next Reel Film Podcast

Does Costa-Gavras’ film feel as relevant today as it did in 1969? How does the structure of the storytelling work in detailing the elements of this political thriller? Should it have won Best Picture in addition to Best Foreign Language Film? Tune in to this week’s show to get answers to these questions and more!

Show Notes

“Here we go. It’s a murder now. They’ll be calling it a plot if this drags on.”

Being from Greece but raised in France, director Costa-Gavras still felt very much connected to his home country. When the democratic politician and leftist activist Grigoris Lambrakis was assassinated in 1963 by right-wing zealots, which pushed the country into mass riots and political unrest that led to a dictatorship, Costa-Gavras was inspired to tell the story cinematically. Based on a book that was a roman à clef, he chose to use the same deliberate way to craft his film, making it a very thinly veiled fiction about this real-world story. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Foreign Films Nominated for Best Picture series with Costa-Gavras’ 1969 film Z.

We talk about the nature of this true story and how it’s fictional, but very deliberate in its telling of Lambrakis’ murder. We chat about the was that Costa-Gavras put the film together and how intense and alive it is right out of the gate – and how fitting it is for its time. We look at the shifts in the story and debate if it works going from the assassination to the investigation to the trial. We look at the cast and how well they do in their parts. We talk about the documentary-style approach to the film in camera work and editing. And we debate its run at the Oscars and if it deserved the awards it took home.

We have a great time talking about this great film, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel. When the movie ends, our conversation begins.

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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.