Chief Zabu

Chief Zabu is a comedy-driven tour de force that was produced and intended to be released in 1988, but only came to see the light of day in 2016. Stylized as a satirical exploration of politics and business, the film is led by a stellar cast including Allen Garfield, Zack Norman, and Allan Arbus, skilfully directed by Zack Norman and Neil Cohen.

In a lively satire that highlights the unlimited ambition and hilarity of American businessmen, Chief Zabu presents the narrative of Ben Sydney (played by Allen Garfield), a New York real estate operator with dreams that extend far beyond the American skyline. Sydney is painted as a quintessential 80s tycoon, consumed with a drive to make it to the Forbes 400 list of richest people. His eccentric mix of ambition and comedy serves as a compelling foundation for the film.

Zack Norman plays Sammy Brooks, an equally ambitious but nervous and less suave character than Sydney, whose closeness and interactions with Sydney become the source of comedy gold. Norman’s portrayal of Sammy adds an endearing clumsiness and nervous energy to the film, providing a hilarious counterpoint to Garfield’s self-assured confidence as Sydney.

Allan Arbus, in the role of George Dankworth, further amplifies the blend of comedy and ambition that defines Chief Zabu. His role epitomizes the shrewd businessman and his interaction, particularly with Sydney and Brooks, adds a great depth of comic timing and exploration of character dynamics.

The plot unfolds around Sydney's ambitious plan to invest in a small, newly independent Pacific island, Tiburaku, in an attempt to gain UN recognition and thus exploit its fiscal and developmental perks. Sydney dreams of becoming its economic and political advisor, with the grand objective of launching himself into the global spotlight.

Sydney sees an opportunity to accomplish his oversized ambitions when Chief Henri Zabu (played by Manu Tupou) of the island nation Tiburaku comes to New York. The inclusion of Zabu into the narrative offers a unique, international flavor to Chief Zabu, while lampooning the idea of the 'noble savage' and Western stereotypes of exotic, ‘undeveloped’ lands. Zabu’s presence, along with Sydney’s half-baked plans to use him to his advantage, signifies one of the movie's prime comedic sources.

The movie was written and directed by Zack Norman and Neil Cohen, also known as “The Two Zacks,” who have used their 1970s improvisational comedy backgrounds to infuse Chief Zabu with quick wit and escalating farce.

Chief Zabu's release in 2016 saw it as a stunningly prescient and timely statement on the extravagant absurdity of business-political power plays, making it a near-decade ahead of its time in terms of commentary. The movie delivers a charming, entertaining watch that has the capacity to make audiences both laugh and think in equal measure. Filmed in black-and-white with a minimalist approach, the film also has an unmistakable indie aesthetic that some may find intriguing.

Perhaps one of the movie’s most original and compelling elements is that it not only satirizes 1980s Wall Street culture but also takes a broader timeless swipe at the global socio-political dynamics that influence national and international progress. It certainly engages the viewer with its hilarious narrative and complex character relationships, yet also leaves them contemplating the underlying commentary on international politics and unchecked ambition.

Those who enjoy an intelligent, humorous take on human behavior, interlaced with political and socio-economic commentary, will undoubtedly enjoy this intricately crafted film. Moreover, the classic performances of Allen Garfield, Zack Norman, and Allan Arbus make Chief Zabu a film that many classic movie lovers would appreciate for its respect for the craft and tradition of cinema.

In summary, Chief Zabu is a brilliantly constructed satirical comedy that was way ahead of its time. Its humorous narrative, coupled with the stellar performances of its lead cast, and a theme that still resonates today, make it a movie that warrants attention.