For information on the software-related term see Zero day
| Zero Day | |
|---|---|
 Zero Day film poster | |
| Directed by | Ben Coccio |
| Written by | Ben Coccio Christopher Coccio |
| Produced by | Ben Coccio |
| Starring | Andre Keuck Cal Robertson |
| Distributed by | Avatar Films |
Release date | 3 September 2003 |
Running time | 92 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Budget | Under $3 000 000 |
Zero Day (2003) is a movie directed by Ben Coccio, about a school shooting much along the lines of the Columbine High School massacre.
Plot
The film begins with Andre and Cal introducing themselves and implying their general plan to assault their school. The majority of the film depicts the boys planning, preparing, and explaining some of their motives. There are also other scenes such as the boys at a party, egging the house of someone they dislike, and Cal going to the prom while Andre works at a pizza place.
The final scenes of the movie show the boys arriving at school on May 1st and preparing their weapons in the car. They then run into the school, armed with two pistols, a high-powered revolver, a semi-automatic rifle, a 12-gauge pump action shotgun, and at least ten pipe bombs. Like Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, on whom they are based, they commit suicide after the shootings.
The next scene is set on May 10th, nine days after the shooting. A group of youths, possibly students, film themseleves going to a park where memorial crosses have been set up. They find Andre and Cal's crosses and set them on fire before running back to the car. The last scene shows the two crosses on fire before cutting to the credits.
Main Cast
In order of appearance:
- Andre Kriegman - Andre Keuck
- Calvin Gabriel - Calvin Robertson
- Chris Kriegman - Christopher Coccio
- Andre's Father - Gerhard Keuck
- Andre's Mother - Johanne Keuck
- Rachel Lurie - Rachel Benichak
- Cal's Mother - Pam Robertson
- Cal's Father - Steve Robertson
Comparison to Elephant
Though it was made first, Zero Day's release closely coincided with that of the higher budget Elephant, with which it had numerous similarities. Coincidentally, the directors of both films received degrees in film from the Rhode Island School of Design.
Criticisms
In the before mentioned film Elephant the director purposely avoided showing how the shooters got access to weapons, in order to avoid "giving ideas to kids". Zero Day on the other hand, is very detailed on how the weapons are acquired, and even includes a chapter in which the main characters, specifically Andre, talk to the camera on how to make a pipe bomb, including materials, fuses and what kinds of shrapnel to include.
Additionally, Andre also tells the camera how he intends to steal the weapons for their attack. He also talks to the camera about how they prevent anyone discovering or foiling their plan.
Quotes
- (After putting a short stock onto the shotgun) "54 seconds...54 seconds is all it takes for me to be able to hide this sucker, and come after you" - Andre
- "There are no reasons; you're all going to look for them, but you're not gonna find any. So fuck you, fuck that, and fuck the reasons, there are none!" - Andre
- "My name is Andre Kriegman" "And I am Cal Gabriel" "...And we are the army of two!" - Andre and Cal
- (Motioning towards school) "This...is our high school, located in...our town. It is our worst enemy" "It is our nemesis" - Cal Andre
- "There will be a series of missions, followed by one, big-ass mission called...ZERO DAY!" - Andre and Cal
- "Life isn't fair, so we're gonna even up the score a little bit" - Andre
- (To Cal)"Can you answer any questions our viewers may have?" - Andre
Notes
Zero Day sparked some controversy, but won several awards at film festivals througout the country. It has been cited by Columbine journalist (and author of an upcoming Columbine book from Dutton) Dave Cullen as "The one great Columbine film."
Awards
- Atlanta Film Festival Grand Jury Award 2003
- Florida Film Festival Grand Jury Award 2003
- Slamdunk Film Festival Grand Jury Award 2003
- Rhode Island Film Festival Audience Award 2003