All I knew of Zardoz was the image of Sean Connery in his red diaper standing on the beach limply holding a pistol. This is the kind of movie netflix instant watch was made for.

It opens with this man’s head and his magic marker beard reciting what I think was a poem that asks the question “Maybe God is in showbiz?” - I’m not sure if “Zardoz” ever satisfactorily answers that query but now you’ve got a good idea of what you’re in for and that’s all that matters. 

Then, the floating head called Zardoz (which we later learn was inspired by Magritte’s Castle in the Pyrnees thanks to a well placed poster) comes in and tells all the men in red diapers that the ‘gun is good, the penis is bad’ before puking up a bunch of rifles. What happens for the next hour and a half I couldn’t tell you. A lot of crazy shit happens. Something about the future and mortality and class stratification and hippies and everyone wearing crocheted shirts.

I know what you’re thinking. Why would Sean Connery make such a humiliating movie? My guess is because Charlotte Rampling signed up to run around topless the whole time. She is … wow.

It reminds me of a mix of The Wicker Man, Godspell and a Margaret Atwood book.

- Irene