“Zorba the Greek” film is based on a novel written by Nikos Kazantzakis. It is the 1964 winner of Academy Awards for Best Cinematography by Walter Lassally, Supporting Actress, played by Lila Kedrova, and Art Direction and Set Decoration. “Zorba the Greek” was also nominated for Best Picture, Actor, Anthony Quinn, Director and adapted screenplay by Michael Cacoyannis.
Walter Lassally, who was the Cinematographer for the film now lives near Chania in Crete, where he shot Zorba the Greek in 1963. Walter Lassally’s Oscar is shown in Tavern Christiana in Stavros, Greece. The name of the village Stavros, which means cross in Greek may as well act as a metaphor for the growth and transformation of the character Basil. Stavros beach is a famous location because Quinn's character, Zorba and Basil, dance the Sirtaki.
Basil, a timid English writer, played by Alan Bates, inherits a mine on Crete. Basil is half-English and half Greek, but was born and raised in England. Basil is book smart, and life dumb. When Basil hires an eccentric stranger, Zorba, to work in his mine, he finds himself drawn into a world fare more exciting and dangerous than any he has ever known. Zorba courts too many women, endures catastrophic perils in the mine that scares off other workers, and defies a group of village men seeking vengeance on a beautiful young window for thwarting their sexual advances.
Eventually, Zorba’s undying exuberance to create more and more chaos leaves Basil in a vulnerable position. Thanks to Zorba, in order to survive Basil undergoes a personality transformation into a more active participant in life. The mine on Crete … who cares about the mine … embrace the transformation of Basil and a life fulfilling story of living life to its fullest.
This film is swelling with inspiration from the story writing, acting, direction, and artful picturesque cinematography. Before you travel to Greece, watch this film. This film is a passionate introspective inspirational vision of transformation of personalities due to adverse situations and friendship. This film is a case study regarding life’s adventures and the reason each life is so precious and wonderful. Similar to a piece of art, life in the end is not always, what is important in the beginning. This film brings that message to the sand, and every now and again, we may all learn a new dance, perhaps the Sirtaki.
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