Zero Effect (1998)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Director:

Jake Kasdan

Writer (WGA):

Jake Kasdan (written by)

Release Date:

30 January 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Thriller | Mystery

Tagline:

The world's most private detective.

Plot:

The world's greatest detective Daryl Zero aided by his associate Steve Arlo investigates a complex and mysterious case of blackmail and missing keys for shady tycoon Gregory Stark who is less than forthcoming about what is really happening!

Plot Keywords:

Blackmail | Private Detective | Investigation | Paranoia | Fire Alarm

Cast

Bill Pullman	...	Daryl Zero
Ben Stiller	...	Steve Arlo
Ryan O'Neal	...	Gregory Stark
Kim Dickens	...	Gloria Sullivan
Angela Featherstone	...	Jess
Hugh Ross	...	Bill
Sarah DeVincentis	...	Daisy
Matt O'Toole	...	Kragan Vincent
Michele Mariana	...	Maid
Robert Katims	...	Gerald Auerbach
Tyrone Henry	...	Staffer #1
Aleta Barthell	...	Staffer #2
Tapp Watkins	...	Firefighter
Wendy Westerwelle	...	Motel Clerk
Lauren Hasson	...	Little Kid

Also Known As:

La méthode zéro (Canada: French title) (France) [fr]
Efecto Zero (Argentina) (video title) [es]
Efeito Zero (Brazil) [pt]
El efecto cero (Spain) [es]
Zero - O Superdetective (Portugal) [pt]

MPAA:

Rated R for language.

Runtime:

116 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Iceland:12 | Norway:15 (TV rating) | Germany:12 | Netherlands:16 (video premiere) | Portugal:M/12 (video premiere) | UK:15 | USA:R | Argentina:16 | Singapore:PG | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Crown Point, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, USA

Company:

Castle Rock Entertainment

Trivia:

The blackmailer uses a computer running OpenStep (NeXT OS) to type the blackmail letter.

Goofs:

Continuity: In the diner, the spelling of "SODA FOUNTAIN" on the window behind the actors switches from "SODA FOUNTIAN" to the correct spelling between shots.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Steve Arlo: It's an uncompromising standard of his practice. He never meets any of his clients. He doesn't speak with them, or, for that matter, communicate in any direct fashion. That's his policy. But I am his sole representative and he is my only employer; and as such...

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Film Geek (2005)

Soundtrack:

One Dance

I loved ZERO EFFECT and would heartily recommend the film to anyone who enjoys a great story told with great style and wit. Jake Kasdan is in his early 20's and has written and directed a wonderful film that belies his age and relative inexperience. I take my hat off to him. On this evidence he is a major talent and I can't wait to see what he does next.

When I heard about the plot of ZERO EFFECT, the story of an eccentric and reclusive, private detective and that this part would be played by Bill Pullman, I was sold on the film immediately. Bill Pullman is a wonderful actor who I admire greatly and is always a joy to watch on screen. The part of Daryl Zero is a very tricky one and very few actors could pull it off, but Bill was simply brilliant. The scene where we hear Daryl playing his guitar and singing a song but don't actually see him for about three minutes was perhaps the most wonderful introduction of a character I've seen in any film.

Ben Stiller provides sterling support as Daryl's right hand man and Ryan O'Neal (nice to see him again) and Kim Dickens are also terrific.

There are so many great lines in the film, particularly those where Daryl is explaining his methods of deduction and surveillance. His explanation of the best way to follow someone is priceless, as is his explanation on how to find things !

This film is a pure joy and very refreshing. Go see it !