Zachariah

Zachariah from 1971 is an undeniably unique and ambitious piece of ‘70s cinema that wonderfully combines the genres of Western and Rock Musical. This cult classic movie was directed by George Englund and features the talents of John Rubinstein, Patricia Quinn, and a young Don Johnson.

Zachariah is a film that symbolizes the themes of friendship, consequences of violence, personal growth, and the pervasive zeitgeist of the counterculture era. The movie starts with the eponymous character, Zachariah, played by John Rubinstein, who along with his best friend Matthew (Don Johnson) come into possession of a couple of mail-order guns. They begin as naive, young men, essentially greenhorns in the merciless world of the Old West.

The friends, after engaging in a friendly target competition with their newly acquired firearms, attract the attention of an experienced gunfighter, known as The Crackers, admirably portrayed by Country Joe and the Fish band member, Barry Melton. Impressed by the young gunslingers' potential, The Crackers invite Zachariah and Matthew to join his vagabond gang.

The dynamic duo's journey introduces them to a diverse array of characters. They encounter stage performers, gamblers, robber barons, and mystical, countercultural figures, each bringing a unique flavor of the ‘70s to the wild, wild west. Actors like the legendary Elvin Jones, a jazz drummer, and rock bands like the James Gang and the New York Rock & Roll Ensemble, appearing as various bands and musical outfits in the film, greatly contribute to its unconventional, psychedelic aura.

John Rubinstein's Zachariah is seeking self-definition, thoughtfulness, and evolution in the aggressive and unforgiving world of the West. He retains a predominantly pacific demeanour throughout the movie, constantly wrestling with the chaos and violence around him. On the other hand, Matthew, portrayed by Don Johnson, deviates substantially from Zachariah's 'path of peace' and gets drawn deeper into the thrilling yet perilous life of gun-slinging and violence, creating tension in their close-knit friendship.

The film's script, penned by Herman Raucher, is based on ‘Siddhartha,’ a novel by the iconic philosophical novelist Herman Hesse. There's a notable trace of Hesse's existential and spiritual themes in Zachariah, particularly in Zachariah's character trajectory. Similarly, it explores friendship's fragility when views diverge, along with a critique of violence, compelling viewers to question the costs and reasons for conflict.

Moreover, Zachariah is also remarkable for being one of the first 'Electric Westerns,” boldly infused with music from various rock bands alongside traditional country and western elements. This extraordinary blend of music effectively amplifies the film's themes, exhibiting the struggles, challenges, and transformations the characters undergo. Its Rock-infused soundtrack, paired with engrossing performances from the ensemble cast, contributes to the film's distinctive appeal, making it a cult classic of the 1970s.

Furthermore, the cinematography by Jorge Stahl Jr. beautifully captures both the vast, unforgiving landscapes and the intimate, character-driven moments. The engrossing backdrop acts as a dynamic canvas that artfully illustrates the intertwining themes of friendship, violence, existentialism, and the counterculture undercurrents.

Overall, Zachariah is as much a critique on violence as it a tribute to Westerns and Rock music, all-powerfully wrapped in a time capsule from the 70s. The viewer is taken on a journey akin to a dream, filled with peculiar surroundings and eccentric characters reflecting the fusion of ‘Golden Age’ Western motifs, psychedelic aesthetics, philosophical considerations, and volleys of gunfire. The contemplative Zachariah, the ambitious Matthew, and an ensemble of fantastic characters leave an indelible impression.

The film is a timeless testament to boundary-pushing cinema, cleverly weaving together elements of music, philosophy, and social commentary against a Western backdrop. For the lovers of unconventional cinema, classic Westerns, and rock music, Zachariah is undeniably a must-watch.