Zorba the Greek (film)
- Anthony Quinn: Alexis Sorbas
- Alan Bates: Basil
- Irene Papas: widow
- Purple Kedrova: Madame Hortense
- Sotiris Moustakas: Mimithos
- Yorgo Voyagis: Pavlis
- Giorgos Foundas: Mavrandoni
Alexis Zorbas ( original title: Zorba The Greek) is the screen adaptation of the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. The film was shot in 1964 by Michael Cacoyannis.
Zorba is one of the most successful films of all time. On March 26, 1965, the film was released in Germany and broke numerous box office records.
Action
The writer Basil inherited on Crete a lignite mine. He committed the Macedonians Alexis Sorbas, which he met at the port on the mainland, as a foreman. This soon courting the aging Madame Hortense Offizierskurtisane in which both first find accommodation in Crete. When you visit a café Sorbas and Basil meet the young widow Surmelina who is desired by many men, particularly Pavlis, son of the village mayor. Soon Sorbas tried Basil to pair with the young woman, what initially appears to be extremely difficult, as both do not dare take the first step.
A little later Sorbas can not prevent the mine collapses; he can save himself and the others just yet. In order to support the tunnel, they need strong trees. Sorbas then plans the construction of a cable car to use the forest resources of the mountain above it can. As Sorbas is to buy in the city material, but does not return because of a " Women's acquaintance " and on top of it still squandered all the money that was meant for the cable car construction, it will be recalled by Basil. Meanwhile Basil Madame Hortense promises lightly, Sorbas that will marry them (which this in no way intends ). Basil spends a night with Surmelina. Meanwhile commits Pavlis, which they rejected for the umpteenth time, suicide. Since the inhabitants of the village Surmelina blame because they tried to stone the next morning in the courtyard of the church, and finally her about Pavlis ' father is cut throat. A little later dies Madame Hortense, and their pension is being plundered by the villagers.
The finished cable car was inaugurated in the presence of guests, but it will stop the commissioning in together. Basil and Zorba stay back alone on the beach. Basil asks his friend to teach him to dance, after which both hold each others shoulder to Sirtaki.
Assessment
Many visitors to Greece hoped for by the novel and the book an insight into the society of Greece. The figure of Alexis Sorbas is often instrumentalized as "typically Greek" and sometimes designed Greeks hostile. The Lazy and crafty in trains fictional character represents a tramp who takes up at most arcadian moments of Greek life.
Awards
- The film was nominated in 1965 for a total of seven Academy Awards and won three of them: for the Best Supporting Actress ( Lila Kedrova ), Best Cinematography (Walter Lassally ) and Best Art Direction ( Vassilis Photopoulos ). Anthony Quinn was nominated for Best Actor, but came away empty.
- In the same year the film was nominated for a Golden Globe, namely in the categories of Best Movie - Drama, Best Actor - Drama (Anthony Quinn ), Best Director, Best Original Score and Best Supporting Actress ( Lila Kedrova ).
Reviews
- Heyne film encyclopedia: ". Congenial film adaptation of the novel by Kazantzakis The brilliant actor, the archaic backdrop, the straight director and the music complement each other perfectly. "
- " Lexicon of international film ". Staged " With excellent performers staged in powerful style film adaptation of a Kazantzakis novel, which of course the template does not fully utilize to the fascination of the main character out, the film defies commitment and ensures that exotically captivating world from. "
- New York Times, New York: " Anthony Quinn Zorba (...) is Adam in the Garden of Eden, Ulysses on the plateau of Troy buffeted He is a piece of Nijinsky and a good part of Tom Jones.. "
- Süddeutsche Zeitung, Munich: " Cacoyannis has created a stylish film that will impress its quiet intensity and unflinching severity. "