Killing Zoe

Killing Zoe played in Seattle theaters for 1 week in August of 1994 and I managed to see it twice. This is one of my all-time favorite films and its savage critical reception has always puzzled me; I find it much more to my taste than Pulp Fiction. I think Roger Avary is one of the most gifted filmmakers to arrive on the scene in the last 20 yrs and I hope that he someday gets the recognition he deserves. Everything about this movie worked for me: the cinematography,the acting, the editing and especially the music. From the first images rushing thru the streets of Paris until the blood-soaked climax, I was mesmerized. I consider myself lucky to have seen it in theaters with a good sound system; I have queried friends who've seen it on DVD/VIDEO and they had a completely different opinion of the film because they had missed key lines of dialog that really go a long way towards investing KILLING ZOE with a certain quintessentially 90's vibe of doomed heroin-soaked romanticism, giving it deeper levels than most people are willing to admit. Without divulging too much, it's the fact that one of the character has AIDS that makes a lot of what happens later not only believable but poignant as well.

I loved this so-called "repulsive" film. I think it's really funny too, in a lunatic sort of way.

Cinematic mastery for (at that time) first-time director. If you haven't seen it, I won't spoil it. Although, the title of this may do just that. It's worth a viewing if you have doubts. Most of the dialogue is in French, which is awesome and wish I were fluent. Très bon!

I thouroughly enjoyed this film mainly because it is itensly raw or even 'pulp'. Hmmm I wonder why. For taking place in France (though it was filmed in Cali.) on Bastille Day and the never-boring heist genre I definately recommend it. I have ONE question though. Whats on the cover in his hand. In the movie he walks towards the screen and flicks something and it makes a small explosion. Is it a cigarette or is it a heroine-related hallucinations. It's as if Avary, Stoltz, Bender, and Tarantino are throwing a riddle in our faces. It reminds me of whats in the suitcase in Pulp Fiction. All-in-all, a great film.