Zodiac (2007) Review
Written by: BlackTequilaKiss
A deep involving watch that will appeal to fans of Se7en and to those that have an avid interest in the real life story behind this movie. If there is one director who constantly surprises me to no end, that honour goes to David Fincher.
Fight Club, Se7en and even Alien 3 are some of the movies he has done that has actually shocked, surprised and grabbed me so there should have been no question that Zodiac would move along the same lines. However there was a certain amount of sceptism for some reason..
A worry he could not pull the film off. I am indebted to Fincher as I realise I was so far from the truth of the matter. This was brutal, unflinching and remarkable, a cinematic experience in great filmmaking.
Fight Club, Se7en and even Alien 3 are some of the movies he has done that has actually shocked, surprised and grabbed me so there should have been no question that Zodiac would move along the same lines. However there was a certain amount of sceptism for some reason..
A worry he could not pull the film off. I am indebted to Fincher as I realise I was so far from the truth of the matter. This was brutal, unflinching and remarkable, a cinematic experience in great filmmaking.
Beyond the Film: Synopsis
A cartoonist, Robert Graysmith (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), grudgingly finds a friendship with reporter, Paul Avery (Robert Downey. Jr) as they share one common interest: the Zodiac killer. As Avery's life spirals into chaos, Graysmith's interest in the case causes him to cross paths with David Toschi (Mark Ruffalo), a police inspector who himself has failed to apprehend the Zodiac killer, Sherwood Morrill; an handwriting expert and many others who are in some way connected to the mystery of the Zodiac killer. All else pales as they try to find that, that eludes them the most; the Zodiac.
I admire David Fincher, he constantly shocks me as a director and manages to create compelling movies that draw me in. Fight Club seemed unattainable and yet he managed to breath something special into the movie, Alien 3 is a guilty pleasure of mine that twists the movie franchise and works quite damn well and Se7en, well that was simply poetry in motion from beginning to end. So why did I seem so unsure about Zodiac?
Every director has their day. Always that one time when they make a movie so hideous, you fear they shall not come out of it unscathed. I do worry that Fincher will hit that high and then get the low, I therefore worried Zodiac would be his undoing. Was I wrong? Hell yes!
One thing especially said of Fincher is that his movies never turn out as you would expect. This was another such example. I had no preconceptions of Zodiac but yet still found myself surprised. It is slow paced, it is involving, the characters are respectable and the entire movie is intriguing.Yet throughout the movie he remains respectful to the true events behind the movie, yes... Fincher is easily one of the best directors we have had.
As is usual with his movies, the cinematography is a major player from beginning to end it plays an integral part to the film itself.
Throughout Zodiac, the colour scheme pinches with darkness. It's always captured in grim reproach, far away from the safe confines of light. That's the pull of the movie, we are in a place where daylight and night become rather blurred and where fear, isolation is waiting around each corner.
The gloom and pour of the rain against black clouds as thunder rages in the background, the streetlight that captures the frayed look of the building. It's hidden gems like that, that make Zodiac literally so captivating.
Music- I liked this. It was never so harsh that our ears feel like bleeding but gentle enough to keep our emotions running at a nice pace. In the more dire moments when the Zodiac commits the heinous acts, the music soars to such heights and then lowers in tempo without losing its audience. Done well and for good reason.
For this movie we are talking barely any blood/ special effects. We get a little of what has happened, but enough kept back to keep us guessing. When used at all it looks true to touch but more often than not our imagination plays, once again, the greatest factor.
Ruffalo, Gyllenhaal and Downey Jr are in my opinion very strong actors who can bring something meaningful to their roles so having them work off eachother for Zodiac was a small stroke of genius. They all worked exceptionally well in the movie and better yet managed to keep their characters involving and interesting. Kudos to each of them for performances that stood out.
For anyone who is acquainted with Fincher knows he is not the sort to do constant action, his movies have always been deeply involved including with the human psyche and Zodiac is no exception. If you want a simple ladened horror movie then no this is not for you, if you want a thrill-a-minute ride then double no.
But for anyone who appreciates Fincher's direction this is a movie to be on the look out for. Zodiac is a compelling movie trying to help us understand one of the eternal mysteries. Much like Jack the Ripper who remains an enigma so does Zodiac, therefore we know the ending will not be closed so it's more a delve into how the detectives worked the case. I love this movie, I really do as it draws you in.
If you like mysteries that still compell today then Zodiac will be right up your street. It's intelligent, probing and a world away from the usual movie. This is the stuff, true nightmares are made of.
Fincher, you have done it again. A solid movie weighed by a great cast, perfect!
(For Morguey (J) a great friend who has stood by me through the darkest of times. You were my anchor when I felt lost to the darkness. Thank you my dear)
Every director has their day. Always that one time when they make a movie so hideous, you fear they shall not come out of it unscathed. I do worry that Fincher will hit that high and then get the low, I therefore worried Zodiac would be his undoing. Was I wrong? Hell yes!
One thing especially said of Fincher is that his movies never turn out as you would expect. This was another such example. I had no preconceptions of Zodiac but yet still found myself surprised. It is slow paced, it is involving, the characters are respectable and the entire movie is intriguing.Yet throughout the movie he remains respectful to the true events behind the movie, yes... Fincher is easily one of the best directors we have had.
As is usual with his movies, the cinematography is a major player from beginning to end it plays an integral part to the film itself.
Throughout Zodiac, the colour scheme pinches with darkness. It's always captured in grim reproach, far away from the safe confines of light. That's the pull of the movie, we are in a place where daylight and night become rather blurred and where fear, isolation is waiting around each corner.
The gloom and pour of the rain against black clouds as thunder rages in the background, the streetlight that captures the frayed look of the building. It's hidden gems like that, that make Zodiac literally so captivating.
Music- I liked this. It was never so harsh that our ears feel like bleeding but gentle enough to keep our emotions running at a nice pace. In the more dire moments when the Zodiac commits the heinous acts, the music soars to such heights and then lowers in tempo without losing its audience. Done well and for good reason.
For this movie we are talking barely any blood/ special effects. We get a little of what has happened, but enough kept back to keep us guessing. When used at all it looks true to touch but more often than not our imagination plays, once again, the greatest factor.
Ruffalo, Gyllenhaal and Downey Jr are in my opinion very strong actors who can bring something meaningful to their roles so having them work off eachother for Zodiac was a small stroke of genius. They all worked exceptionally well in the movie and better yet managed to keep their characters involving and interesting. Kudos to each of them for performances that stood out.
For anyone who is acquainted with Fincher knows he is not the sort to do constant action, his movies have always been deeply involved including with the human psyche and Zodiac is no exception. If you want a simple ladened horror movie then no this is not for you, if you want a thrill-a-minute ride then double no.
But for anyone who appreciates Fincher's direction this is a movie to be on the look out for. Zodiac is a compelling movie trying to help us understand one of the eternal mysteries. Much like Jack the Ripper who remains an enigma so does Zodiac, therefore we know the ending will not be closed so it's more a delve into how the detectives worked the case. I love this movie, I really do as it draws you in.
If you like mysteries that still compell today then Zodiac will be right up your street. It's intelligent, probing and a world away from the usual movie. This is the stuff, true nightmares are made of.
Fincher, you have done it again. A solid movie weighed by a great cast, perfect!
Enjoy Y'all,
BTK.
BTK.
(For Morguey (J) a great friend who has stood by me through the darkest of times. You were my anchor when I felt lost to the darkness. Thank you my dear)