The Killing Zone (1999)

Director:

Ian David Diaz

Writer:

Ian David Diaz (writer)

Release Date:

September 2000 (USA)

Genre:

Thriller | Action

Tagline:

Three Days Two Friends One Target

Plot:

The taut, suspenseful - and sometimes darkly comic - story of Matthew Palmer; underworld assassin and Michael Caine fan...

Plot Keywords:

Assassin | Police Officer Killed | Policewoman Killing | Female Killer | Female Assassin

Awards:

1 win

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Julian Boote	...	Mr. Frazer
Paul Vates	...	Mr. Preston
Mark Bowden	...	Lance Nash
Padraig Casey	...	Matthew Palmer
John Bardon	...	Man With Cigarette
Helen Rasmussen	...	Jane
Esme Eliot	...	Ipcress Files Band Guitarist 1
Victoria Newlyn	...	Ipcress Files Band Guitarist 2
Paul Kerslake	...	Ipcress Files Band Drummer
Richard Bean	...	Iprcress Files Band Keyboard
Gavin Boyd	...	Beatnik Bar Rat
Richard Banks	...	Parry Fenton
Oliver Young	...	Lucas Finn
Giles Ward	...	Mr. 'Mad Dog' McCann
Roberto Gomez Martin	...	Crow

Runtime:

92 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Netherlands:16 | Netherlands:12 | UK:18

Filming Locations:

Crown House Business Centre, North Circular Road, Park Royal, London, England, UK

Company:

Seventh Twelfth Collective, The

Trivia:

The movie is a homage to '60s British cinema, particularly Michael Caine movies of that period. The lead character of the assassin calls himself "Matthew Palmer", after Harry Palmer of The Ipcress File (1965), and his band is called "The Ipcress Files". The lead assassin who confronts Palmer at the film's climax is called "Mr Carter", in reference to Get Carter (1971). And in the interview bar scene between Palmer and Lance, a painting of Michael Caine is seen in the background.

Quotes:

Woman in Black: How would you like to die? Hmm? Broken neck? Broken back? How's about I start with your arm... then your leg... then your other arm... then your ribcage... finishing off with a spinning roundhouse kick to the head, breaking your neck. Hmm? Sounds good? Works for me. And if it doesn't work for you, then tough titties.

Movie Connections:

References Get Carter (1971)

It will blow you away!

With much reservation and thought, I decided to watch The Killing Zone after the recommendation of friends. Being able to make ones own mind up and to not be swayed by popular opinion I sat down to watch another run of the mill Brit indie gangster flick. WRONG! From an great opening title sequence which thumps of sixties vibes to a great one on one monologe and into stylish underground London you know your in for something different, something special. Ian D Diaz has crafted a wonderful piece of work,which lends its theme to such sixties films as The Ipcress Files, but with a modern day story of love and betrayal. Now and again it falls victim to over enthusiastic performances, but with a great supporting cast particularly from Mark Bowden and Nicola Stapleton the treat is watching these characters interact and play off of one another. This debut feature film script by Ian Diaz is sharp and comedic in its view of a seedy London underground life and complimenting its feel is damn fine lighting, great set design and a film score which pulls you deeper into a well paced high value looking picture. We will be seeing more of these guys, I hope.