Z (1969)

Brief Intro

“Z,” a gripping political thriller directed by Costa-Gavras, was released in 1969. The film is a stark portrayal of political corruption and assassination in a repressive regime. It has been lauded for its powerful narrative and innovative cinematic techniques, winning the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Literary Devices Used in Z

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
The investigation scene where the Colonel insists on the impartiality of the military while they cover up the crime	Verbal irony highlighting the hypocrisy of the military
The courtroom scene where the judges declare the investigation “unbiased”	Dramatic irony as the audience knows the investigation is manipulated

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The recurring motif of the letter “Z”	Symbolizes “He lives” and resistance against tyranny
The use of shadows and darkness in scenes with the conspirators	Represents the sinister nature of the political conspiracy

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Early scenes of political rallies turning violent	Foreshadows the assassination of the Deputy
The nervous behavior of the deputy’s aides before his speech	Foreshadows the impending attack on him

Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
The entire storyline reflecting real-life political events in Greece	The film itself is an allegory of political oppression and the fight for justice
The depiction of the corrupt judiciary and military	Allegory for the pervasive influence of totalitarianism

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The assassination being carried out by “thugs”	Metaphor for state-sanctioned violence
The Deputy’s speeches about light vs. darkness	Metaphor for truth vs. lies and democracy vs. oppression

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Peaceful protests vs. violent police actions	Highlights the contrast between public sentiment and government response
The Deputy’s idealism vs. the cynicism of the political elite	Emphasizes the clash between hope and reality

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to real political figures and events in Greece	Ground the narrative in historical context
The Deputy’s speeches alluding to famous political martyrs	Connects his struggle to a larger historical fight for justice

Satire

Movie Scene	Device Example
The portrayal of bumbling, corrupt officials	Satirizes the incompetence and corruption of the regime
The exaggerated loyalty of military officers	Critiques blind obedience to authority

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
The media’s sensationalized coverage of the Deputy’s assassination	Exaggerates to criticize media manipulation
The extreme reactions of the characters to political events	Highlights the absurdity of political extremism

Flashback

Movie Scene	Device Example
Flashbacks to the Deputy’s previous speeches and rallies	Provide context and depth to his character and message
Recollections of the investigation process	Show the manipulation and cover-up by the authorities

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

The Deputy

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The Deputy represents hope and democratic ideals, symbolized by his speeches and the letter “Z”
Metaphor	His struggle against the regime is a metaphor for the fight against oppression

The Magistrate

Device	Explanation
Irony	His supposed impartiality is undercut by his awareness of the corruption around him
Allegory	Represents the compromised justice system, struggling within a corrupt framework

The Colonel

Device	Explanation
Satire	His exaggerated loyalty and blind obedience to the regime satirize the military’s role in the oppression
Hyperbole	His extreme actions highlight the absurdity and cruelty of the regime

Character Dynamics

The relationship between the Deputy and the Magistrate drives the narrative, highlighting the tension between idealism and realism. The Deputy’s assassination and the Magistrate’s investigation reveal the pervasive corruption and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals within the system. The dynamic between the Colonel and the military also underscores the conflict between authority and justice.

Thematic Analysis

Political Corruption

Device	Explanation
Irony	The constant assertions of justice by corrupt officials
Satire	The portrayal of incompetent, corrupt politicians and military officers

Resistance and Rebellion

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The letter “Z” as a symbol of resistance
Allegory	The narrative as a whole reflects the struggle against political oppression

Truth and Justice

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	The Deputy’s speeches about light vs. darkness
Juxtaposition	Peaceful protests vs. violent government responses

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Use of lighting and shadows	Shadows represent the sinister aspects of the conspiracy
Foreshadowing	Music and sound cues	Ominous music hints at impending danger

Key Scene Analysis

Scene: The Assassination Link: Deputy Assassination Scene

• Breakdown: The scene uses dramatic irony as the audience knows the plan, while the Deputy remains unaware. The visual juxtaposition of the peaceful rally and the sudden violence underscores the theme of political corruption.

Scene: The Courtroom Link: Courtroom Scene

• Breakdown: This scene utilizes irony and satire, as the judges claim impartiality while clearly being influenced by the military. The visual contrast between the dignified courtroom setting and the corrupt actions of the officials highlights the theme of justice.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

1. What does the letter “Z” symbolize in the movie?

• A) Victory
• B) He lives
• C) Corruption
• D) Darkness

2. Which literary device is used when the Colonel insists on the military’s impartiality?

• A) Metaphor
• B) Irony
• C) Symbolism
• D) Foreshadowing

3. How does the film use lighting to enhance the theme of political corruption?

• A) By illuminating the faces of corrupt officials
• B) By using shadows to represent sinister activities
• C) By brightening scenes of justice
• D) By using colorful lighting

4. What does the Deputy’s struggle metaphorically represent?

• A) A battle for wealth
• B) A fight against political oppression
• C) A quest for personal glory
• D) A search for truth