Z — Movie Quotes

The very first text that appears on screen before the action begins.

This is the film's manifesto. It breaks the "fourth wall" of fiction immediately, telling the audience that they are about to witness a true history of political crime.

Spoken repeatedly by Trintignant as he indicts high-ranking officials one by one in his office.

Translates to "Name, first name, profession." The repetition of this bureaucratic phrase becomes a weapon. It reduces the powerful generals to common criminals, subjecting them to the same law as the thugs they hired.

From the General's speech to government officials at the beginning of the film.

Reveals the fascist philosophy of the regime: dissent is a disease, and the military are the white blood cells. It dehumanizes the opposition to justify their elimination.

Spoken during the panic of the cover-up as they try to control the narrative.

A cynical admission of how the regime uses anti-American sentiment (or conversely, reliance on them) to manipulate public perception, or perhaps a deflection of their own responsibility.

Chanted by the crowds and appearing as the final image of the film.

"He Lives." The ultimate refusal to accept the erasure of the leader.