Zodiac (2013)

As the beginning of any new year rolls around, after awards season, there tends to be a significant drop off in quality or what you might call serious drama. Usually we're left with crowd pleasing, if not critically acclaimed comedy, or low budget horror until the kickoff of the summer season. There are a few gems that sneak in once in a while (perhaps the most notorious was "Silence of the Lambs" with its oddly timed Valentine's opening), but as a generalization--this is true more often than not. So David Fincher's "Zodiac," which make no mistake is a drama and not a thriller, is a welcome respite from traditional fare released at this time of the year. Fincher, who made an artistic splash with "Se7en," "The Game," and "Fight Club," had been noticeably absent since hitting it big with the more routine "Panic Room" in 2002. Eschewing the sensationalistic approaches a film of this type might employ, Fincher has crafted a sprawling and ambitious investigative drama about the men whose lives were changed in the obsessive hunt for a serial killer known only as Zodiac.

For those unfamiliar with the story, I will borrow an excerpt from my review on "The Zodiac" (a lesser film that covers some of the same ground, but concentrating more on Zodiac's earlier murders in Vallejo). "Over a period of years during the sixties and seventies, the San Francisco area was plagued by a series of seemingly random murders perpetuated by a man known only as the Zodiac killer. Using the press and taunting the police, Zodiac became one of the more prominent "celebrity" serial killers with his need to be in the spotlight." Fincher's film focuses primarily on three major characters, although a huge cast contributes to this complex tale. There is David Toschi (Mark Ruffalo) who is the lead police investigator when the Zodiac moved to San Francisco, Paul Avery (Robert Downey, Jr.) who is the star reporter covering the case for the San Francisco Chronicle, and Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal) who is a cartoonist at the Chronicle who becomes obsessed with the case. In fact, Graysmith's obsession turned into the book which serves as source material for this film.

Clearly, the strongpoint of the film is in the performances. Downey is impeccable in self destructive mode, recapturing some of the energy and unpredictability that made him a star in the first place. Ruffalo is great, persistence turning into frustration. But it is Gyllenhaal who makes the greatest transformation from an awkward youth to someone willing to sacrifice everything to pursue an obsession. The immense cast of supporting characters are, also, well written and beautifully performed. It is in the details of the script that characters, even with limited screen time, leave a lasting and believable impression. The film, which spans decades, recreates the time frame accurately. The art direction, in particular, is spectacular when viewing this city of the recent past.

The story, itself, is a procedural recounting years of work trying to locate Zodiac. Again, the script is so detailed that you really feel as if you are following the action in the same step by step fashion that the real participants must have. "Zodiac," ultimately, is a smart film. It trusts that you will follow its logic, and perhaps even draw some conclusions of your own. It paints a picture of who Toschi and Graysmith believed to be Zodiac (despite evidence to the contrary), but the film is open-ended enough for you to accept this position or discount it entirely. There is plenty of intrigue as the investigation leads to unlikely places, some chilling recreations of Zodiac's killings, but most of all--real drama about real people. A great adult picture. At over 2 1/2 hours, it's a commitment--but one well worth it. KGHarris, 03/07.

loved every bit of this the time flew by, and the quality of the BD is awesome looks and sounds beautiful

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very informative wonderful actors, kept intrest, some was scary but it was for real hope he is dead now for sure

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"Zodiac" is brilliant! One of the best films of the year, thus far. The performances led by Jake Gyllenhaal (as Robert Graysmith, who also wrote the book that inspired the movie), Mark Ruffalo (as Inspector David Toschi, who also served as an inspiration behind the film "Bullitt" (1968) with Steve McQueen) and an impressive Robert Downey Jr. (as Paul Avery) are excellent. The directing by David Fincher (who has also directed "Seven" (1995) & "Panic Room" (2002) is excellent. The screenplay by James Vanderbilt (based on Graysmith's book) is excellent. The music by David Shire (who did the score to "All The President's Men" (1976) is excellent and the use of 70's songs are excellent. The cinematography by Harris Savides (who also did the cinematography to Fincher's "The Game" (1997) is excellent. The film editing by Angus Wall (who also film edited Fincher's "Panic Room" & Fincher's upcoming "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button" (2008) is excellent. The casting by Laray Mayfield (who also film edited Fincher's "Fight Club" (1999), "Panic Room", & the upcoming "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button" is excellent. The production design by Donald Graham Burt (who also did the upcoming "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button") is excellent. The art direction by Keith P. Cunningham is excellent. The set decoration by Victor J. Zolfo (who also did the upcoming "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button") is excellent. The costume design by Casey Storm is excellent. This is Fincher's best film since "Seven", and yes, it is overlong, but it is interesting and it makes you think and keeps you intrigued.

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This movie is well made, and I think this film was definitely oscar worthy, but was mistakenly passed over when Awards considerations were being done. David Fincher did a great job telling this true story based on the book by Robert Graysmith. Although the Graysmith book has some holes and question marks, and focuses in on his suspect, the movie is divided up equally between the crimes, the investigation, and various suspects. If you are planning to watch a 'slasher flick', this is NOT the movie for you, in fact, the first 30 minutes or so of the movie shows the murders, and the remaining two hours focuses on the hunt for the killer, and the obsession that overtakes those involved in trying to identify the Zodiac Killer. It may be a bit slow for some, but if you are heavily interested in the case, then it moves along quickly from one storyline to the next.

The bonus footage is fantastic,and features interviews with those who were directly involved in the case, as well as a complete breakdown of the crimes and a segment devoted to Graysmith's suspect.

The Blu ray quality is pretty good as well, and I was happy to finally buy it at a reasonable price considering it has been out of print for quite a while.

All in all, this is one of my Favorite movies, and although I do not agree with some of the conclusions reached at the end of the movie (as far as a suspect),I am happy to refer anybody to this movie!

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