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One of my favorites

Zero Effect is one of those movies where the more times you watch it the better it becomes. The subtle character driven humor and smart writing set it apart from other movies. When most movies need a gag or physical humor to make me laugh out loud, Zero Effect makes me laugh by the characters acting like themselves. Not by telling jokes but acting like unique quirky individuals trying to go through their lives. The detective genre has been done before, but it has never seen the likes of Darryl Zero, who is the ultimate anti-hero. He prefers to do all his work from his highly secured apartment, and not even deal with people at all. His struggle to say what he thinks is "normal" is one of the running jokes of the movie. This movie is a gem that most people haven't heard of, if you have the chance to see it I recommend you do. 10/10

A pleasant surprise

A really nice little movie -- not so much a detective story as a drama about love,
loneliness and the burdens of our pasts. The plot is not perfect but thecharacters are original and believable. Fine acting by Bill Pullman, playing a
man who is observing the world instead of living in it. Ryan O'Neal is good, too,
as the nervous villain.

It's a toss-up..between Zero Effect and While You Were Sleeping as Bill Pullman's two BEST movies !

A comment by my hubby who is a fan of Bill Pullman's. Not as ardent as I am, but an honest viewer of films in which the actors display their skills and artistry effectively. Bill Pullman does this."Zero Effect has an effective plot development and character definition and refinement. Pullman exercises the scope and depth of his acting skills when the sociopath morphs into a social agent as the situation demands this persona, and reverts to form when alone. Zero is the perfect objective observer who is compromised when his 'soft underbelly' is exposed. Bill Pullman handled this transformation superbly.

This is a great movie!

This is one movie not to be missed, it's funny, intelligent, and smooth.
10/10 This was the debut of Jake Kasdan, the son of Lawrence Kasdan. He did Body Heat and The Big Chill, and other such films. But being Jake Kasdan's first film (he wrote and directed it) that's a pretty amazing feat.
It's like The Usual Suspects, everything is perfect.

Brilliant!

I had never heard of this film before spotting it at my video store. I sat down to watch it expecting something good, but not this good! Jake Kasdan is a talent to watch out for, he definitley follows in his Dad's footsteps.It's a shame that franchises don't exist in the indie world, because the main character, Daryl Zero, deserves to get many many sequels.This film is a 9 out of 10 because of a great character driven script, spot on acting by Bill Pullman, Ben Stiller, Kim Dickens and Ryan O'Neal and great ending that is absolutely un-hollywood.

one of the great underrated films of the 90s

I remember seeing this film when it was originally released, having to go into central London because there were only a handful of films showing it. No-one had heard of it, but it had received a good review from a magazine I trusted. At the time I thought it was good, but nothing too special. A few years on, however, and I've had to revise my opinion. The fact that nobody knows about it, the fact the nobody has seen it, is a huge tragedy, since it's a virtually flawless film. The chemistry between each actor is impeccable, the dialogue is fluid and natural, the pace is spot-on. And the message is simple but effective. I can understand why some people could be underwhelmed by it, but to me it'll happily sit in my top ten films.

Daryl Zero is Sherlock Holmes, baby!

Perusing the other comments for this movie, I've got to wonder about the
state of education in this modern world. Did nobody notice that, not only
is Daryl Zero a send-up of Sherlock Holmes, but that this entire movie is
based on A.C. Doyle's short story, "A Scandal in Bohemia"?Ah, well. Zero Effect is a fine piece of film, and an excellent first
(commercial) effort by Jake Kasdan. The storyline is well adapted and
modernized, and serves as a terrific bridge to Doyle's work for those
willing to take the effort to read it.The only letdown in the film is that Kasdan allows the Zero character to
undermine his own objectivity in one particular area. This film would have
been better (and more in keeping with the Sherlock Holmes mystique) without
it. The detective of "A Scandal in Bohemia" would never allow himself to
fall prey to his emotions in the manner that Zero is allowed.

Did I missing something?

I am sorry, fans of this film, and please, don't get all mad at me, but I found this film to be really pretty dreadful. It just dragged, it wasn't funny with the exception of a few things. I give it points for not following the usual comedy patterns, but it really wasn't good. It was just a bore, and very unengaging.

The effect of this movie ain´t zero. That´s for sure.

I work at a video store, and let me tell you, with a lot of movies at my disposition (does that word exists?), watching them is sometimes a bit of a monotonous ritual.So, when a few days a go, in the front page of IMDb, the selected Movie f the Day was -you guessed it- Zero Effect, I was quickly drawn into the plot.And not just the plot, or the fact that it was directed by this guy, Kasdan (is he really related to Lawrence Kasdan?), but because of conceiving this two good actors: Pullman and Stiller in the same movie.Whoa! Their styles are so different that I`ve never imagined them in the same film. But there they are. And think this: judging by many of their other roles, arent´s the parts that both of them play in this movie changed? Doesn´t Stiller reminds us all of an excentric guy? Hasn´t Pullman always played calm (almost passive) guys? Forget the age differences.One more thing: I´m starting to reevaluate more what Stiller has done on screen. He sure shows talent in this movie. Not to forget Pullman (watch what he does with his eye expressions).So, yeah, go and rent it, or watch in on cable. Whatever suits you. It´s worthy of it.Oh... and thanks IMDb ;-) ( ...tell me more, tell me more... )(what some people would write just to get shown online)

Unnoticed film

It is exciting at times and original. Although somewhat unbelievable for someone that know the limits of memory and technology it still is convincing to those who can suspend belief a little.

I loved it and was waiting for every twist and turn!

A gem that is great to find.

Overlooked movie that is smartly written, funny and a great story. I would like to know how it got overlooked. A sleeper that is just a fun time. Bill Pullman does a very good job, and Stiller is his usual self.

A wantonly unusual mix

The movie is initially a bit uncomfortable in Stiller's mythic-tinged descriptions of Zero's power and Zero's initial weird, dysfunctional appearance, but that sequence soon seems out of place as Zero proves to be a genuinely intriguing character; withdrawn and socially conflicted, with his ego driving him into difficult emotional dilemmas, but also highly quizzically and functional and ultimately taking on a grandeur close to that of Sherlock Holmes ( the final scene evokes both Irene Adler and Moriarty, while still though eulogizing his own unique qualities). That aside, Stiller's role isn't that integral to things, and the movie meanders a bit - it's a wantonly unusual mix of elegant, offbeat human relationships and standard detective stuff, but always suggesting (even if it's not always clear to what end) a broader, almost metaphysical reach and a taste for meeting the test of time; the fact that its reach exceeds its grasp is somewhat endearing, and the casting (which seems uninspired on paper) actually turns out really well.

best buy doesn't carry good movies

this movie is a good movie you've never heard of. buy it.

One of the best movies I've seen in a long time

I first rented Zero Effect after hearing Siskel and Ebert review it. They were right, I really love this movie. I predict it will someday be a cult movie. The character Zero is an updated version of Sherlock Holmes that truly captures the old style Holmes we all love with a contemporary flare. I can't tell you how many times I have recommended this movie to friends and family. If you haven't seen it, watch it, you won't be disappointed.

The true mark of successful celluloid work

is whether it can withstand a subsequent viewing. Zero Efect does. The only tragedy concerning this uniquely styled mystery will be if its Director (Jake Kasden) and scriptwriters never produce a sequel.In TV reviews this film is accurately billed as a - wickedly quirky detective comedy thriller. It is safe to say the old cliché they-don't-make-them-like-that-anymore applies, and in truth, they probably never made them like this beforehand either! The one resemblance to other filmmakers work is that there is a Coen-esquire; vibe to it. A true compliment indeed.Usually, American movies often high on gloss, glitter and noise lack the essential ingredient that compels viewers to become completely engrossed: that of depth. Or more precisely, the hook is depth and complexity. Here, offbeat quirkiness provides the humour. A non-format story pans out to provide novelty. A moderately paced detective story throws up one surprising twist after another, backed musically where appropriate to support the flawlessly acted evolution of an ever-deepening plot. All of which combine to unravel a charming, cogent mystery.The problem this finely balanced inventive film creates is that by comparison it brings home the paucity of run-of-the-mill who-dun-its. Given the summary above Zero Effect, and films of this ilk, may prove more suited to European than American audiences. Films that make the viewer do some work ultimately tend to be the most absorbing and successful (e.g. recall - The Usual Suspects).The five central characters each achieve the professional actors quest of being thoroughly and seamlessly believable, subtly injecting humour, pathos, unpredictability and sensitivity. You can easily empathise with them as their characterisations play out. Kasden's film excels as what must be the definitive comical mystery in all respects, perhaps setting the benchmark for future detective films to surpass.~

Maybe the best movie of 1998...

This is an extremely entertaining little film - with Bill Pullman providing most of the laughs - alongside the usually comic Ben Stiller - who is somewhat serious in this role. The film is about an extremely talented private dick who is inexperienced in his own personal life - which takes an almost classic twist (reminiscent of some old hollywood films) when he falls for the charms of someone - who turns out to be equally adept at hiding things. This is a very unique, intelligent movie that will leave you satisfied and a little bit excited about what you have seen. I think this gives us a glimpse of what hollywood these days is capable of, but rarely delivers - a charming character study!

Rather Boring

I like private eye movies but Zero Effect just took too long to get started and Daryll Zero himself (although brilliantly played by Bill Pullman) knows so many stupid things that no one would ever remember for any reason. Check out the scene in the crime scene motel for example.

Ben Stiller is quite watchable too though. But for some reason in every scene with him and his girlfriend they are making out. I don't know if anyone else has noticed this. Tho he's actually got a decent character to get his teeth into this time instead of the 'hapless boyfriend' role he always seems to get stuck with.

"Zero Effect"s main problem is that's it's too talky and almost every scene takes place indoors. This adds an unwanted sense of claustrophobia to the film.

Writer/Director Jake Kasdan does have talent and I would like to see him go far in Hollywood. And perhaps even make a sequel to "Zero Effect" but with a bigger budget and a more accessable plotline. It would be a shame to kill of a potentially great franchise because of one rather lame movie.

The DVD is in Dolby 5.1 and is in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen.

A fun anti-Sherlock Holmes detective story

That is, the PI in this movie is the direct opposite of Sherlock Holmes.
This movie is about a case and its very strange investigator, Darryl Zero.
Zero is a brilliant, but extremely flaky private investigator who works with a somewhat reluctant lawyer who acts as an assistant. The problem he confronts in this story is to find the lost keys of a very rich client.
Naturally, there is more to the case then a bunch of keys. And the keys turn up ... well, where is anyone likely to lose their keys?Once you accept the premise of this film you are carried along quite nicely.
The acting is good and the characters are interesting and even believable.
If you have ever enjoyed detective novels, you will recognize and enjoy the simple pleasures that are found in these stories.

A lovely film.

I watched this film again and here is what I noticed: the script is strong, the performances good, the direction tight. The movie is, in essence, technically perfect. It doesn't attempt to overstep it's bounds or do anything out of the ordinary. No tricks. It just stands on it's own merits. I heartily recommend this movie. Frankly, I will watch anything Bill Pullman does. He is just great.

Plummetting bird

I really liked this movie and will try to be helpful without repeating all that has been said.

First for the bad parts. It is a new director and it shows some. There appears to be a change in tone. The movie starts out more absurd and then changes as the case gets on. Secondly there are some directorial decisions which are questionable such as a long tracking shot from under a table which has little meaning and detracts. You also have the subplot with Arlo and his girlfriend which could have been eliminated. Films seem to need a whiny woman as a subplot for some reason that I can't explain.

For the good--you have a hero who lives by cunning and wits with almost no violence in the movie. You have a movie with little or no out of whack plot devices. The characters act consistently and humanely. There is no cold-blooded Clint Eastwood type hero who is more wicked than the villian. As Arlo says, there aren't good guys and bad guys, its just a bunch of guys. The movie thinks and has a genuine romance by two people that seems real. And then for the capper, they stick to their nature and there isn't a forced ending! I would hope that there would be another one but this thing didn't play well in the theaters though everyone I know who saw it (and I heavily recommended it) liked it alot.

So if you want a thoughtful detective story with some humor and don't need to see guns or car chases, give it a view.