The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul presents:
The Zigzag Kid
Netherlands • 95 min • Dutch/English/French w/English subtitles • 2012 • Narrative
Directed by: Vincent Bal
The film is opening Friday, October 25 at the St Anthony Main Theater.
Based on the beloved novel by David Grossman, The Zigzag Kid uses wit and humor to explore the most fundamental questions of good and evil and to speak directly to adults and teenagers.
Synopsis
A
witty, spirited and action-packed adventure about an almost-thirteen-year-old boy named Nono, his world of confusions, fears and fantasies…
Nono longs to be a good detective like his
father, a famous police inspector, but his wild nature constantly gets him into trouble. Gaby, his father's secretary, cherishes Nono and recognizes his anguish, which comes from his lack of knowledge about his mother, who died when he was very little. Two days before his bar mitzvah, he is sent off to his uncle's to be disciplined yet again. Once on the train, the over-imaginative boy discovers one last chance to prove himself. Together with charming international thief Felix Glick, an old acquaintance of his father's, he travels to the French Rivera and enters a world of disguises and crazy pursuits, crossing paths with the famous singer Lola Ciperola (played by Isabella Rossellini) and Zohara, a mysterious woman whose secrets will forever change Nono's life.
A wondrous and whimsical mystery adventure, opening October 25.
"Fast-paced,
whimsical coming-of-ager The Zigzag Kid is a charming period picaresque
that offers old-fashioned entertainment for tweens and adults."
- Alissa Simon, Variety
"A magical and wistful atmosphere, somewhere between reality and fantasy, that captures the essence of childhood."
- Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
Director's Statement
When I first read the novel by David Grossman, I was really surprised in how many ways the book touched me.
The story is sort of a treasure hunt as Nono
searches for the truth about his mother, and, in the end, his own
identity. What struck me is how Nono is taught not to trust his
imagination, and to rely solely on facts, but how in the end it is
precisely this fantasy which makes him discover the truth. His
imagination is his strength.
I hope the magic and emotion that I saw in the book comes across when the audience sees the film and that it makes them dream.
Stylewise, I wanted the film to be as diverse as the book. Quick and elusive like mercury, yet more emotional. The Zigzag Kid was shot in Holland, Belgium, France and Spain with the main cast from four European countries.
Be sure to check The Film Society’s website for the full schedule,
description, ticket options, and much more at mspfilmsociety.org.
St. Anthony Main Theatre
115 SE Main St.
Minneapolis, MN
