Square Root of Zero
Square Root of Zero

Movie spotlight

Square Root of Zero

1963
Movie
80 min
English

A pair of Village beatniks goes up against a clan of moneyed squares vacationing on the Maine coast.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users78%
Director: Stanley KramerGenres: Comedy, Drama, Mystery

Plot Summary

A reclusive and eccentric millionaire, believing he is on his deathbed, decides to divide his vast fortune among strangers he encounters in a single day. As the day progresses, his choices and the reactions of the recipients reveal unexpected truths about society and human nature. The millionaire's motives are questioned, and the true implications of his grand gesture begin to unfold.

Critical Reception

Critically, 'Square Root of Zero' was met with a divided reception. While some critics praised its ambitious narrative and the performances of its star-studded cast, others found its satirical edge to be heavy-handed and its plot ultimately too convoluted. Audiences were similarly split, with some appreciating its thought-provoking themes and others finding it too bleak or confusing.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its daring social commentary and ensemble cast.

  • Criticized for a meandering plot and an overly cynical tone.

  • Stanley Kramer's direction was noted for its characteristic blend of humor and pathos.

Google audience: Google users appreciated the film's unconventional premise and the powerful acting, particularly Spencer Tracy's final performance. However, many found the ending to be ambiguous and the overall message somewhat depressing.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Actor (Spencer Tracy) and Best Original Screenplay. It also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama.

Fun Fact

This film marked Spencer Tracy's final on-screen performance, released posthumously.

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