IMDb RATING
2.2/10
5.3K
YOUR RATING
A mad scientist transforms himself into an aquatic killer.A mad scientist transforms himself into an aquatic killer.A mad scientist transforms himself into an aquatic killer.
Rich Valliere
- Deputy Sheriff
- (as Archie Valliere)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDon Barton filled the monster role through a newspaper ad, "Wanted: 6'5" or taller male to play the role of monster in horror movie. Must be experienced swimmer, scuba diver. Acting Ability not required!" Barton said ten people responded.
- GoofsIn one wide shot, the creature wears tennis shoes while returning to the lab.
- Quotes
Dr. Leopold: The formula they all laughed at - Z sub A, A sub T... ZaAt!
- Alternate versionsFor its 1999 airing on Mystery Science Theater 3000, Zaat (shown under the title Blood Waters of Dr. Z) was heavily edited. Among the numerous scenes cut were further scenes of the INPIT agents, Dr. Leopold disposing of his victim in a vat of acid, scenes of the locals evacuating, and one bizarre scene where a band of singing hippies is taken to the jail by the Sheriff.
- ConnectionsEdited into Robot Bride of Manos (2022)
- SoundtracksWorld War II Boy
(the theme from 'Zaat')
Written and performed by Jamie DeFrates and Barry Hodgin
Featured review
Why not a 1?
Yes, I gave it a 2, dammit. The underwater photography is tolerable and there are a couple of suspenseful attacking moments. Basically, however, this movie rambles on pointlessly, much like the "walking catfish" mutant and the government agent who tracks him in the last third of the movie.
The first 20 minutes of the movie is in (hilarious) voiceover, and you begin to wonder if they lost the soundtrack ala Creeping Terror and Beast of Yuca Flats. Then the characters actually start speaking on-screen and you wish they had lost the soundtrack. The dialogue seems to bear no resemblance to the onscreen goings-on. I suppose it establishes some plot points and clarifies things for the audience, but there are so many ramblings and offshoots that you just kinda of give up and give in.
The "monster" looks like an early draft of a Silurian costume from Doctor Who, with a fur neckpiece (??). The skinny, balding bad guy is on-screen for only a few minutes before undergoing his transformation, but imprints himself indelibly in our minds thanks to his stripping down, his hamhanded maneuvering himself into the transformation tank, and his omniscient voiceover narration.
And the fish! What is it with the fish? The opening narration dwells on them (giving us a good impression of Jacques Costeau as a Nazi gone bad), and at least one murder scene decides to insert random shots of fish in-between cuts. There seems to be some kind of implied ecological nature-takes-vengeance message here somewhere, but like everything else, it is lost entirely in the rambling dialogue.
Basically, the movie is pretty much a waste of celluloid. A few good moments, as I've seen far worse underwater cinematography. Watch it if you dare.
The first 20 minutes of the movie is in (hilarious) voiceover, and you begin to wonder if they lost the soundtrack ala Creeping Terror and Beast of Yuca Flats. Then the characters actually start speaking on-screen and you wish they had lost the soundtrack. The dialogue seems to bear no resemblance to the onscreen goings-on. I suppose it establishes some plot points and clarifies things for the audience, but there are so many ramblings and offshoots that you just kinda of give up and give in.
The "monster" looks like an early draft of a Silurian costume from Doctor Who, with a fur neckpiece (??). The skinny, balding bad guy is on-screen for only a few minutes before undergoing his transformation, but imprints himself indelibly in our minds thanks to his stripping down, his hamhanded maneuvering himself into the transformation tank, and his omniscient voiceover narration.
And the fish! What is it with the fish? The opening narration dwells on them (giving us a good impression of Jacques Costeau as a Nazi gone bad), and at least one murder scene decides to insert random shots of fish in-between cuts. There seems to be some kind of implied ecological nature-takes-vengeance message here somewhere, but like everything else, it is lost entirely in the rambling dialogue.
Basically, the movie is pretty much a waste of celluloid. A few good moments, as I've seen far worse underwater cinematography. Watch it if you dare.
helpful•405
- Gislef
- May 14, 1999
- How long is Zaat?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Attack of the Swamp Creatures
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $75,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 40 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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