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Genre
Mystery | Thriller
Director
David Fincher
Country
USA
Cast
Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Edwards, Brian Cox, Elias Koteas, Donal Logue, John Carroll Lynch, Dermot Mulroney, Philip Baker Hall, Chloe Sevigny, John Getz, John Terry, Adam Goldberg, David Lee Smith
Storyline
Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal), a cartoonist working for the San Francisco Chronicle, starts investigating a serial killer known as Zodiac and soon becomes obsessed with the case.
Opinion
David Fincher's "Seven" is one of my favourite films. I love everything about it. And I did go into this film expecting something like that. What I found myself watching was something completely different. But different doesn't always mean bad, and this is the case.
Although it is more of an investigative film than a thriller, "Zodiac" is a very interesting, engaging and intricate mystery film that is also surprisingly suspenseful. And the film's length - two and a half hours - isn't too long.
Based on a true story about a serial killer in California during the 1960s and 1970s, who named himself Zodiac - and of whom I have never heard of before, probably because I wasn't born yet and I don't live in the US -, the story hooks the viewer right from the beginning. The most appropriate words would be, it is addictive.
What's the great thing about it? Well, instead of focusing on the serial killer, who is arguably a very interesting person to analyze, the story is focused on the people that are trying to catch him. And it is so interesting because the investigation is not only viewed through the eyes of the police - as usually happens -, but through those of journalists as well. It is intriguing because, while for the police the investigation is just part of their jobs, for the journalists it is more of a challenge. Like solving a puzzle. By the way, the characters are so complex, credible and feels so real, it is refreshing.
The other great thing about "Zodiac" is that Fincher doesn't spend time exploring the psychological reasons leading each character to become obsessed with the killer; rather he invites the viewer to observe and make up his own mind to why the characters do what they do. I have a complain though, he should have explored more Robert Downey Jr.'s character obsession.
At last but not least, the cast. Jake Gyllenhaal does a fantastic job as cartoonist, wannabe detective Robert Graysmith, and truly becomes his character. The other stand out performances comes from Robert Downey Jr. as reporter Paul Avery and Mark Ruffalo as SFPD detective David Toschi.
Although it is more of an investigative film than a thriller, "Zodiac" is a very interesting, engaging and intricate mystery film that is also surprisingly suspenseful. And the film's length - two and a half hours - isn't too long.
Based on a true story about a serial killer in California during the 1960s and 1970s, who named himself Zodiac - and of whom I have never heard of before, probably because I wasn't born yet and I don't live in the US -, the story hooks the viewer right from the beginning. The most appropriate words would be, it is addictive.What's the great thing about it? Well, instead of focusing on the serial killer, who is arguably a very interesting person to analyze, the story is focused on the people that are trying to catch him. And it is so interesting because the investigation is not only viewed through the eyes of the police - as usually happens -, but through those of journalists as well. It is intriguing because, while for the police the investigation is just part of their jobs, for the journalists it is more of a challenge. Like solving a puzzle. By the way, the characters are so complex, credible and feels so real, it is refreshing.
The other great thing about "Zodiac" is that Fincher doesn't spend time exploring the psychological reasons leading each character to become obsessed with the killer; rather he invites the viewer to observe and make up his own mind to why the characters do what they do. I have a complain though, he should have explored more Robert Downey Jr.'s character obsession.
At last but not least, the cast. Jake Gyllenhaal does a fantastic job as cartoonist, wannabe detective Robert Graysmith, and truly becomes his character. The other stand out performances comes from Robert Downey Jr. as reporter Paul Avery and Mark Ruffalo as SFPD detective David Toschi.
I really like this movie. It's one I've been meaning to watch again as well.
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling. I've just watched it and I want to watch it again.
DeleteThis is an excellent movie that does keep you in suspense. I kind of like that they didn't so much focus on the killer because serial killers get enough focus which they enjoy. As far as i remember, they never caught the guy.
ReplyDeleteI love that too! There are so many movies about serial killers it's getting boring! You're right, I checked on Wikipedia and they never caught the guy.
DeleteI love the first two hours of this movie, but not so much that last hour. It just brought everything to a screeching halt for me. Great performances all around, though.
ReplyDeleteI loved it from start to finish, but I do see your point.
DeleteThis is the one where Fincher truly became the cinematic voice he is today. I love every minute of it. You are so right about the choice to take this film from the investigative angle. It really works. And the lake abduction scene...most terrifying thing I've ever seen in a movie ever...period.
ReplyDeleteYeah that scene truly was terrifying.
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