Based on the actual case files for one of the most intriguing unsolved crimes in America, "Zodiac" tells the story of a serial killer that terrified the San Francisco Bay Area, taunting police with...
Zodiac, much like its cryptic codes, keeps you coming back for more. I remember watching this for the first time a few years ago thinking it was an unmemorable slow drag. Revisiting this was an excellent idea. Why? Well my opinion has changed. Based on the Zodiac killings of California back in the late 60s, a journalist, cartoonist and homicide detective are entangled in a seemingly uncrackable case. With each murder, the killer leaves a cryptic message behind for the San Fransisco Chronicle to publish. On the surface this is a dark crime mystery, however underneath the authentic 60s production value is a story about obsession. How it can manifest and manipulate your mind, turning yourself into a determined individual but at the cost of losing your job, friends and family. These three employees became so fixated on publicising The Zodiac and attempting to uncover the suspect behind the codes, that actually it became a detriment to them. The lavish direction from renowned director David Fincher illustrated the case as if we, the viewers, were apart of the team. The evidence was meticulously presented so that we could attempt to work it out ourselves, which is where the thrills and emotional investment come into play. The slow paced story allowed the characters to truly interact with each other and become fully developed, thus conveying the concept of obsession enigmatically. Gyllenhaal, Ruffalo and Downey Jr had a fair share of screen time where each of the three acts focussed on one character in greater detail, whilst still progressing the case in a linear narrative. Not a easy task, but Fincher made it look effortless. The basement scene towards the end was heart pounding, Fincher did not need to conform to typical thriller traits to create suspense. The constant time hopping between scenes prevented a narrative flow, it felt disconnected occasionally. One day later, one year later, seven and a half years later...we get it, the case went on for a long time. Despite being a slow burner, this mystery will keep you glued to the screen. Taut, tense and thrilling!
