True crime film
Zodiac keeps killings unresolved and real
TIMOTHY BROWN STAFF
While this is the second film to come out in very recent history that delves into the account of San Francisco’s infamous and unsolved Zodiac murders, this is most definitely the better of the two. As helmed by director David Fincher, Zodiac is twisted, yet not without a sense of humour. Fincher, well known for being the man behind Fight Club, Seven, and the Game, has seemingly reinvented himself here as a smarter director, discarding his hyper-stylized, music video-esque directing style and replacing it with one that is not only much more mature, but also of a much higher calibre.
Zodiac is based on Robert Graysmith’s book which details the gruesome murders that took place in the late ’60s in the San Francisco area. The film actually focuses on Robert Graysmith (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) himself, who at the time was a cartoonist for The San Francisco Chronicle while taking care of his young son. He becomes interested in the case and begins to discuss different theories with Chronicle reporter and avid drinker, Paul Avery (played by Robert Downey Jr.). Throughout Zodiac, the two establish a friendship as they examine different aspects of the case. Meanwhile, the film also focuses on the two lead detectives assigned to the case, David Toschi and William Armstrong (Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Edwards, respectively). Both groups explore different aspects of the case: Graysmith and Avery covering facts of the case and theorizing motives and connections; Toschi and Armstrong attempting to track down leads and search for a suspect.
Zodiac is brilliantly shot, and uses a much more reserved visual approach than some of Fincher’s earlier films. Harris Savides served as cinematographer for the film, and has worked with Fincher previously on The Game. This appears to have been a smart choice. There was worry beforehand that Zodiac would be this overly “cool” movie that focused more on computer enhancements than on the true story of an infamous serial killer. Luckily, Savides captures the required tone of the film perfectly, never over-shadowing the events with an out-of-place, over-done shot. Zodiac isn’t a film about innovative camera styles or unique editing tricks. STAFFFincher and Savides know this, and as a result manage to create a beautiful, subtle film that manipulates you and pulls you into the scene and into the characters, without having to cram anything down your throat.
The acting is, rather unsurprisingly, quite good. Combining Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo in one film has never seemed like a bad idea, and the final result is a well-acted movie. Each actor brings his own quirks to the film and each is suited to his role, with Downey Jr. playing the eccentric drunk, Ruffalo playing the reserved detective who speaks just above a whisper most of the time, and Gyllenhaal playing the quiet, intelligent, somewhat obsessed “boy scout” who’s just out to do the right thing. Each character plays off the others, giving each a unique contrast in relation to the others and a very fun dynamic.
While Zodiac revolves around these major characters, it stays true to its premise. There are so many times in the film in which it could have explored a character further. It could have explored Graysmith’s relationship with his son and his first wife, or the personal lives of the detectives, or even the troubles of Paul Avery. It never happens though. You’re allowed glimpses into these people’s lives, but the film never lets you forget the fact that it is about the Zodiac killings. I think that’s one of the reasons why it’s such an enjoyable film. It’s like a true crime novel: the story is about a killer and trying to catch him. You want to understand these characters and where they’re coming from, but you don’t want to sacrifice the heart of the story just to better relate with the characters and their plights.
It is surprising to see this type of film from a director such as David Fincher, but a welcome surprise it is. Zodiac is beautiful and fun, yet dark and, at times, disturbing to watch. Cleverly placed scenes pull you away from a feeling of fun and joy and place you right in the middle of a murder scene that forces you to feel for these victims as they’re heartlessly killed. Zodiac toys with you and keeps you intrigued right until the credits. Films with the ability to do this are few and far between, so I recommend that you go and watch it, as you might not get another chance anytime soon.
