zodiac

Zodiac

Zodiac (2007)

Dir. David Fincher

Starring. Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards, Robert

Downey Jr,

Brian Cox, John Carroll Lynch, Chlo� Sevigny, Elias Koteas

The first time I saw Zodiac, I told everyone it was destined to be my

favourite film of 2007. After re-watching it last night, near the end

of 2007, I can safely (but boringly) say its still one of my favourite

films of the year.

Its not often I enjoy serial killer movies (except for this year,

where I`ve warmed both this AND Mr. Brooks; go figure!) but I did love

Finchers previous foray into the genre, Se7en. Where as that film was

a gritty journey into the world of a serial killer and his

disturbingly calculated acts, Zodiac is the opposite story. The story

of the obsession that can take over those investigating the case.. the

tagline informs us that there's more than one way to lose your life to

a killer, and the film holds true to that. Perhaps it would have been

better called Robert Graysmith though, as Zodiac is really the story

of Graysmith's personal descent into obsession at uncovering the true

identity of the Zodiac Killer.

Jake Gyllenhaall as Graysmith gives what I'd say is the best

performance of his career yet, as the unassuming SF Chronicle

cartoonist who slowly becomes addicted to the Zodiac case, nearly

destroying his own marriage and relationship with his children as he

grows ever pre-occupied with the near mythical killer.

Impressively supporting Gyllenhaall is a pitch perfect cast who are

truly a delight to see at work. From Robert Downey Jr. as the alcohol

fuelled reporter Paul Avary, to Mark Ruffalo as the animal cracker

addicted Detective heading up the Zodiac investigation, and Chlo�

Sevigny as Graysmiths estranged wife. Every performance from even the

most minute supporting character is fittingly powerful.

Fincher has wisely stripped his directing back from previous film

Panic Room too, though there's a few traces of over indulgence left

(the floating codes and time lapse sequence) they slip easily into

this film rather than standing out as a sore thumb of visual trickery

for the sake of visual trickery.

More important is the distinct lack of sensationalism in the telling

of the story; shying away from media headlines and tabloid style

portrayals helps Zodiac keep its feet on believably human ground,

resulting in as solidly structured and consistent a tale of obsession

as I've ever seen.. Its more than worth the investment of time and

patience it asks of its audiences, though casual movie-goers may find

the heavy weight nature of the storytelling a little overwhelming.

Four Cryptic Ciphers out of Five