Zack Mazursky is one of the central characters of the 2006 crime drama film Alpha Dog. He is inspired by real-life kidnapping victim Nicholas Markowitz, and is played by Anton Yelchin.
Life[]
Zack Mazursky was the son of Olivia and Butch Mazursky, as well as the younger half-brother of drug addict Jake Mazursky who was in debt to Johnny Truelove.
When Jake arrived at his parents home in Claremont and failed to borrow money from his parents, Zack asked his brother if he could come with him, but Jake refused as "[he's] got some shit to do".
Zack later went to Jake's place as he and his girlfriend Wanda Haynes were having sex. Jake was surprised by Zack's arrival, and offered him a drink. They then proceed to have a talk about Zack's home life, and how Zack had longed to escape his home life. Jake and Wanda then took Zack home with the latter a little drunk.
A few weeks later, Zack was woken up by his parents arguing. He went to check on what the argument was about; Olivia found drugs in Zack's possession. He then had an argument with father and ran back up stairs to put some clothes on. When he did, Zack snuck out of house and ran off. As Johnny and gang were trying to find Jake who went into hiding after breaking into Johnny's house last night, Johnny spotted Zack on the side of a road, and impulsively ordered the gang to kidnap him, planning to hold Zack until Jake paid his debt. Wanting a break from home, Zack made no effort to escape, and they drove to Palm Springs. Johnny left his right hand man and best friend Frankie Ballenbacher to watch Zack. Annoyed by this at first, Frankie offered Zack a chance to leave, but he declined, not wanting to cause problems for his brother. Frankie and Zack headed to Frankie and his dad's house.
The next morning, Frankie was given chores to do by his father Juergen Ballenbacher. Zack offered to help Frankie with the work which left Frankie surprised. Zack soon bonded with Frankie who them introduced him to his friends; Keith Stratten, Julie Beckley, Sabrina Pope, and Susan Hartunian. After Frankie had Keith watch over Zack, the group soon learned the truth about Zack's kidnapping. However, only Susan was concerned by his abduction, even after Zack states that his brother would pay the money. Zack began having partying with his capturers and developed a love interest in Julie.