Zodiac (2007)

In the late 1960's to early 1970's, a serial killer, known as Zodiac, tormented and killed in and around the San Francisco area. The mystery officially remains unsolved, however the film Zodiac comes to its own conclusions as to the real identity to the killer.


The film storyline follows the exploits of both the police and the local paper in trying track down the killer, who bragged about the murders and tested the media and police by sending cryptic letters to the San Francisco Chronicle. A newspaper crime reporter, Paul Avery (Robert Downey, Jr.) and the political cartoonist/riddle solving hobbyist (Jake Gyllenhaal) work with and, at times, independently of the police detectives (Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Edwards) assigned to solve the case.

The film is reminiscent of All the President's Men, in that the bulk of the story follows a pair of journalists who start with a small story, which, in turn, evolves into a massive, historic one.

Redford and Hoffman in All the President's Men

The cast is top notch and director David Fincher (Se7en, The Game, Panic Room) has the wonderful ability of making seemingly normal things very, very creepy. His distinctive style works well with such an iconic, evil figure as Zodiac, and Fincher seamlessly interweaves characters and story lines over a 20 year journey.

Downey, Jr. and Gyllenhaal in Zodiac

Zodiac did not set the world on fire at the box office, however, I think it will become one of those movies, like All the President's Men and The Hunt for Red October that, when I stumble across it on television, I am transfixed and will watch it through to completion. Once you start, the story pulls you in and you can't turn away.

Zodiac is very good film with subtle, effect directing and excellent performances.