Zillion

What a movie....because I'm old and lived through these years, it gets to my nostalgia. I did not really frequent the club, but did celebrate one New Year's eve there...and later on, my fraternity ('studentenclub' - more girls than boys haha, but didn't know how to put that in English) had quite some parties there (with women swimming in the tank - luckily we had 2 sisters doing synch swimming competively)). The overall feeling for the scenes inside the club are spot on....back then it was awesome...and the movie portraits that very well - moving stages, light shows, it was awesome.

Acting is perfect imho...of course I never met Frank so I cannot judge...I did encounter Dennis a few times...especially when he got refused from the club I worked back then.

All in all...great movie with great acting...but...do I find this movie great purely because I've been there and watched the glory Zillion was....or because it's a great movie? Bit of both I think....at least the score is AWESOME!!

Edit: Brigitta Callens (Charlotte in the movie) was not the girl to set up stuff like that...Brigitta used to frequent the club I worked in without having Frank spying on her....but then again, what does the floor ppl know what's really going on behind the scenes...

In the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, where also yours truly hails from, "Zillion" is rapidly becoming much more than just a successful movie. It's a phenomenon! It's been several years since a locally produced film managed to bring so many people to the cinema, and - even more remarkably - so many people from different generations, as well! The film was already playing for almost a full month in cinemas when I went to see it, and the theater was still full. That's extremely exceptional for a Flemish movie.

It's the story of an infamous nightclub that really only existed between 1997 and 2002, so you'd expect it mainly attracts audiences who partied and experimented in this short period, but somehow, it's popular among much younger and much older people as well. And righteously so, I may add, because "Zillion" is a unique and original film full of fascinating characters, throwback 90s moments, awesome Belgian dance music, and recognizable faits-divers.

The best thing about writer/director Robin Pront's ambitious project is the intriguing mixture of facts and fiction. The decadent disco was real, the even more decadent protagonists (like the megalomaniac owner Frank Verstraeten and porn king Dennis Black Magic) were real, and the unimaginably decadent drug/sex parties at the Zillion were real as well. I know it, I was there a couple of times. The storylines connecting everything together, though, are a mix between truthful and made up, but you don't know what is real or not.

One thing's for sure, "Zillion" is the most memorable and entertaining Flemish movie in years. The pacing is non-stop fast, it's darkly comical, representative of everything that went wrong in this country during the 90s, and it has an awesome all-star cast plus an even more awesome soundtrack.

The film, based on real events, tells the story of the Zillion Club and its owner, Frank Verstraeten. The club was popular in Belgium in the 2000s. Frank was a promising and forward-thinking IT specialist who wanted to conquer the world through his intelligence, ambition, and hidden complexes.

The tools and initial motivation already hint at how this story will end. There is a theory, and perhaps some research, that serious success is achieved by people who can be described as psychopaths. They lack compassion, are selfish, arrogant, and willing to go to any lengths to achieve their goals. But what is their purpose?

Psychopaths are usually people who become psychopathic, not those who are born that way. The roots of this go back to childhood, when misfortune in the family, bullying at school, or some other trauma forces the mind to change direction. Most often, this becomes a negative motivation in the future - to be better than others (in our case, to prove that Frank is "higher" than others). This can be done in different ways - becoming richer, having a beautiful wife, gaining power.

This can be seen in the film, where the main character achieves his goals with people, which helps him for his own personal reasons. His mother tries to realize herself in her son, giving everything she has for the sake of his success. The most beautiful girl in Belgium becomes his wife, not out of love, but because she is the best - as a thing. The wife herself does this because she is fleeing from the influence of her father's despot. A friend in the porn business becomes a profitable ally. And the club was created.

Since the initial motivation is rather low, the goals stop there. There is no development. And then it turns out that the complexes did not disappear anywhere, personal problems did not evaporate. They were drowned out by the desire to reach the goal, and when the goal was achieved (the goal was to realize the ambition to become higher than others), everything returned with a new wave. Suspicions from nothing to do and betrayals - the union became unprofitable, and everyone began to suffer from garbage.

All because negative motivation, although it can effectively lead to the goal, but these goals are limited and low - having a club and such a wife, the main character was already better and more statuesque than everyone else. Why develop further? The intoxication of success leads to failure, and the whole system collapses. Although, it would seem, with so much money and influence, it would be possible to do a lot of things instead of suspecting everyone. But there is no. This is the fate of psychopaths. Hostages of complexes that are both a gift and a curse.

The film is worth watching if you are in a philosophical mood and want to think about the basics of the universe and the behavior of primates around us. The film tries to show reality as it is, although we already see it every day, so I can't say what exactly the artistic value of the film and its meaning are, except to think about what drives us and what it can lead to. It is worth noting the camerawork, color exposure, and overall atmosphere - they pull out the situation much better.

Zillion," directed by Robin Pront, is a captivating film that vividly recreates the rise and fall of one of Belgium's most legendary nightclubs. Set in the vibrant 1990s, the movie centers around the infamous Zillion club, known for its extravagant parties, cutting-edge music, and its controversial owner, Frank Verstraeten.

Plot and Setting

The film's narrative is gripping, following Frank Verstraeten, portrayed with remarkable intensity by Matteo Simoni, as he transforms Zillion into the epicenter of European nightlife. The storyline deftly balances Frank's ambition and the excesses that come with it, presenting a raw, unfiltered look at the hedonistic lifestyle of the era. The club scenes are electrifying, filled with pulsating energy and a sense of euphoria that makes the audience feel as if they are part of the revelry.

Character Performances

Matteo Simoni delivers a standout performance, capturing both the charisma and the darker, more obsessive sides of Verstraeten. His portrayal is nuanced, making the character compelling and, at times, sympathetic despite his flaws. Supporting roles, including Charlotte Timmers as Vanessa, bring depth to the film, highlighting the personal and professional relationships that defined Verstraeten's turbulent journey.

Direction and Cinematography

Robin Pront's direction is masterful, skillfully blending high-octane party scenes with quieter, more introspective moments. The cinematography by Robrecht Heyvaert is stunning, using a vibrant color palette that reflects the club's neon-lit world. The camera work is dynamic, immersing the viewer in the frenetic pace of the nightlife while also capturing the emotional undercurrents of the characters' lives.

Music and Soundtrack

The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring a mix of classic '90s techno and contemporary tracks that pay homage to the club's musical legacy. The music not only enhances the film's atmosphere but also serves as a driving force in the storytelling, reflecting the highs and lows of Zillion's existence.

Themes and Impact

"Zillion" explores themes of ambition, excess, and the fleeting nature of fame. It delves into the dichotomy of success and the personal cost that often accompanies it. The film also serves as a cultural time capsule, capturing the spirit of the '90s rave scene and its lasting impact on nightlife and music culture.

Conclusion

In "Zillion," Robin Pront has crafted a visually arresting and emotionally engaging film that chronicles the rise and fall of a nightlife empire. With standout performances, particularly from Matteo Simoni, and an evocative soundtrack, the movie is a nostalgic yet cautionary tale about the allure of power and the dangers of unchecked ambition. For those who remember the era or are fascinated by nightlife history, "Zillion" is a must-watch.

Good performance by the actors, story is less well written.

There is a lot of fiction and non-fiction in it that makes the viewer doesn't realize what's real or what's made up. . Zillion was a great nightclub in the 90's in Belgium but this didn't compare to the Zillion movie that could do a lot better.

After watching the Zillion movie 90's nightclub you would feel partying but this wasn't the case.

The 90s music was okay but that doesn't make this a great movie.

High expectations not fulfilled for the big crowd.

I'm still a big Zillion fan, like a lot of people in Belgium and beyond.

Enjoy the movie and the Zillion life.