Random Mexican’s Movie Reviews

Monday, March 05, 2007
Movie Reviews: ZODIAC
In theaters

ZODIAC


Based on the real-life terror that gripped San Francisco in the '70s, several police detectives and newspaper journalists try to uncover the identity of the mysterious Zodiac Killer. Although he sends taunting notes and clues through the mail, he always seems just one step ahead of those looking to stop his killing spree.




Cast Robert Downey, Anthony Edwards, Jake Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Bijou Phillips, Mark Ruffalo (more)




Director(s) David Fincher




Writer(s) James Vanderbilt




Status Upcoming (wide)




Genre(s) Drama




Release Date March 2, 2007

MPAA Rating R - Rated R for some strong killings, language, drug material and brief sexual images.

Review:

David Fincher's Zodiac is not going to be for everyone. Fincher does what most directors don't do and that is over dramatizing a real story. Here he simply lets the events unfurl in about as natural way as possible on film. What he achieves is a dreamlike surreal atmosphere that's is terrorized by an almost omnipotent being, The Zodiac killer. Fincher doesn't fear pacing as he allows events to occur naturally and invites the audience to watch, as the characters must fight through things like, endless amount of bureaucracy in order to get something done. This entire process maybe a bit off putting to some as this is a dialogue driven movie that is propelled by the characters words more than their actions. The majority of the violence in the film occurs early on and is jarring and vicious, even more so when compared to the remainder of the film. Fincher gives us a palpable sense of dread and discomfort without showing us gruesome images. Acting wise, this film is stocked with subtle measured performances that match the films setting perfectly. Robert Downey Jr. is excellent as the hard drinking coked out reporter that first reports on the Zodiac. Jake Gyllenhaal is equally interesting as he gives his character a sufficient amount of drive mixed with awkwardness to make him believable. Mark Ruffalo as does well in giving his character a sense of desperation over his inability to solve the long running case. Anyone who enjoys nice clean resolutions will probably leave this film disappointed as it only gives you possible answers but no definite ones. Its nearly 3-hour runtime may also be off putting to some. Zodiac is an excellent film that may test some audiences' patience but in the end the experience is worthwhile.

B+