Zodiac

7

AndrewK.Apr 8, 2007

A great film from Fincher. No, it does not have the stylistic cinematography of some of his other films. But I believe that he uses whatever style is appropriate to the topic. This film does have a few really cool shots, specifically the A great film from Fincher. No, it does not have the stylistic cinematography of some of his other films. But I believe that he uses whatever style is appropriate to the topic. This film does have a few really cool shots, specifically the tracking shot from above on the taxi cab, and the shot on the Golden Gate bridge. Jake Gyllenhaal is perfect for his part. He has always been a natural for the wide-eyed, innocent youth, while not being boring or cliche. Mark Ruffalo gave the other standout performance in this piece. I liked Robert Downey Jr, but I can't help feeling that this is the same part that he always plays now. And why does someone in recovery constantly play characters that are using? The story itself is captivating, especially for one, like myself, who is completely unfamiliar with the story. I was not even aware of the Dirty Harry connection as I have never seen the film. So that was another interesting tidbit. I loved the muted color tones that made one feel like one was back in the 60's/70's. I find it strange that people complain about wasting half an hour "pursuing a lead that goes nowhere." That lead, if I understand correctly, is the same man that most people believe to have been the actual Zodiac killer, as we discover by the end of the film. The violence was played down, except for one or two scenes that were truly terrifying. I didn't mind that we were focusing on Robert Graysmith (Gyllenhaal) rather than someone else, as he's the only one who never gave up on trying to put it all together. He wrote the book, and it only seems logical to follow his voyage through the events. Many solid performances from character actors in small rolls, namely Brian Cox and Philip Baker Hall. I never felt like the film was too long. It kept me hooked the entire time. Maybe some people have a shorter attention span or maybe it's just not their cup of tea. Also, one should not expect a director to go on making the exact same type of movie throughout his/her career. A director, in fact, any artist, needs to grow and explore new directions. I applaud Fincher for giving this story the exact direction that it required: nothing over the top, with an underlying tension and unease throughout the entire film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

3

[Anonymous]Apr 3, 2007

The movie is too long and there is no action. The story is too confusing, though Robert Downey Jr. is a GREAT actor, and becuase of him we didn't fall asleep in the cinema.

1 of 5 users found this helpful

10

DavidL.Mar 25, 2007

Go into this film with the right attitude, expecting to have to think and you'll find one of the most rewarding films of the past 10 years.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

9

MarkB.Mar 23, 2007

Director David Fincher is certainly both a sick puppy and an odd duck. Who else would begin Alien3 by, in the first few minutes, unceremoniously killing off little Newt, the surrogate daughter figure that Sigourney Weaver's Riplet spent Director David Fincher is certainly both a sick puppy and an odd duck. Who else would begin Alien3 by, in the first few minutes, unceremoniously killing off little Newt, the surrogate daughter figure that Sigourney Weaver's Riplet spent all of Aliens trying to protect? Who else deserves the credit/ blame for Se7en, the inadvertent father of the torture-porn genre that later brought us Saw and all its sequels and knockoffs? Who else's directorial vision could mesh so perfectly with Fight Club author Chuck Palahniuk's VERY uniquely quirky, nightmarish and nihilistic voice? And the most fascinating thing about Fincher is that with Zodiac he proves himself to be a total trickster; just when you think you've got him pegged as a tremendously skilled but thoroughly heartless sadist, he upends all expectations by making his most humane movie to date...and it's about a serial killer! Long, obsessively meticulous and thoroughly fascinating, Fincher's Zodiac isn't as concerned about the Zodiac Killer's murders (which are depicted with extreme empathy for the victims) but with the trail of LIVING casualties left in his wake as newspapermen and cops, unable to track him down or absolutely identify him, suffer the destruction of careers, marriages and physical and mental health in their obsessive, Ahab-like pursuit. (San Fransisco Chronicle reporter Paul Avery, played by Robert Downey Jr. in a performance that certainly would've netted him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination next year had this movie been released a little later and made a lot more, arguably suffers the most, but it's hard not to watch the same paper's editorial cartoonist Robert graysmith, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, torpedo his ten-year marriage by completely ignoring it in pursuit of Zodiac without concluding that his obsession is the most disturbing...especially given that his wife, Melanie, is played by Chloe Sevigny who, wearing overalls in half the movie and huge glasses throughout, would handily defeat any litter of kittens in an adorableness runoff.) The tragedy of Avery's, Graysmith's and police inspector David Toschi's (Mark Ruffalo) repeatedly frustrated attempts to nail Zodiac's identity lies in the time period; in just a few years the use of advanced computer cross-checking and other capabilities, extremely sensitive DNA testing capacities that would've probably caught Zodiac's slightest glitch, and all sorts of other aids to detection that all CSI viewers thoroughly take for granted would have all but assured that they'd get their man and make it stick. That's why the genius of Fincher's direction lies in his making this as much a period piece as any Jane Austen adaptation; just as Fincher cleverly communicated our culture's dependence on and worship of consumerism in Fight Club by including a brand name in nearly every shot, here he features in almost every frame a visual or verbal reference to an objest or item that would be totally at home thirty or so years ago but totally alien today. (My two favorite references: a comment by the San Fransisco police noting that one of their offices hasn't got one of those newfangled fax machines...and Avery, at a pivotal point, playing around with a brand new, almost unbearably exciting 1975 video game known as "Pong".) Admittedly, sitting through a nearly three hour movie dealing with a series of crimes that never quite gets solved, therefore effectively denying the audience an emotional release it's perfectly reasonable to want and expect at the movies is a tough way to spend a Saturday night after a long hard work week, so this movie's disappointing box office was not only inevitable but somewhat understandable. But to those who take the chance (and who later rally around this film, making it the cult item it'll undoubtedly become) Zodiac is not only one of the best films about the 1970s ever made (without so much as a single Bee Gees record in it) but can comfortably be mentioned in a breath with Robert Altman's Nashville and Francis Ford Coppola's first two Godfather movies as one of the great epics OF the 1970s.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

EricC.Mar 23, 2007

David Fincher is a very interesting director. Some of his films have been horribly under rated (Alien 3) and some over rated (Panic Room). But he showed definatitively that he was a special director with Seven. Now he has shown that he is David Fincher is a very interesting director. Some of his films have been horribly under rated (Alien 3) and some over rated (Panic Room). But he showed definatitively that he was a special director with Seven. Now he has shown that he is one of the best. He doesn't really revive his signature bleak-and-gritty style, but simple camera and lighting tricks, while nothing new, were impressively done. But what really made this movie was the cast, all amazingly casted. Jake Gyllenhaal was amazing, and if you don't see how than you should go back to Wild Hogs and Norbit. Here is his best outing since his amazing performance as Donnie Darko (if you've never seen it, don't judge it). And it's too bad for the people who didn't have the patience to enjoy to wild story. Quick and underplayed plot twists kept things very exciting. I can't wait for Fincher's next project.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

6

JohnR.Mar 19, 2007

On one side, it was a good movie overall and enjoyable. It was well acted and very well made. However, it was ultimately unsatisfying. There really wasn't much suspense at all and the Jake Gyllenhall character's efforts promised On one side, it was a good movie overall and enjoyable. It was well acted and very well made. However, it was ultimately unsatisfying. There really wasn't much suspense at all and the Jake Gyllenhall character's efforts promised much but delivered very little. Ultimately, the screenplay is to blame. What a pity.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

7

DanH.Mar 18, 2007

This is a good movie with a ton of high-end actors. The directing is professional and to-the-point. The only reason I couldn't give it a better score is becasue of Jake Gyllenhaal as the lead. Don't get me wrong, I think Gyllenhaal This is a good movie with a ton of high-end actors. The directing is professional and to-the-point. The only reason I couldn't give it a better score is becasue of Jake Gyllenhaal as the lead. Don't get me wrong, I think Gyllenhaal is a good actor, but he just doesn't match the role he played in this movie. He's too "leading-man", especially for the part of a introverted cartoonist with an obsessive tedency. Gyllenhaal was a poor casting decision. Other than that, I highly recommend this film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

JimD.Mar 16, 2007

This is not your typical Hollywood

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

PaulG.Mar 15, 2007

My attention never flagged, even though the movie approached three hours. That in itself is high commendation. A great detective story. Wall Street Journal's Morgenstern has his head stuck in the stock reports.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

8

MarcK.Mar 14, 2007

A little on the long side, but it was able to keep my interest throughout. Just a fascinating and interesting story...I hope they were faithful to what the actual events were.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

4

EliasK.Mar 13, 2007

They should have paid me to sit through that bullsh.t.

1 of 3 users found this helpful

6

BilB.Mar 12, 2007

Every nook and cranny, ever corner and turn was covered and re-covered leaving nothing to the imagination. A really good film showing the SF at the time, even down to the commercials playing on the radio which brought back many memories, but Every nook and cranny, ever corner and turn was covered and re-covered leaving nothing to the imagination. A really good film showing the SF at the time, even down to the commercials playing on the radio which brought back many memories, but nevertheless, I found myself dozing off and getting bored with the predicatble performance of Robert Downey. Overall, a 6 in my book.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

8

KevinR.Mar 12, 2007

The best movie thus far in 2007. It suceeds where Black Dahlia failed visually and thrills the audience every step of the way.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

JoeyM.Mar 12, 2007

A surprisingly gripping and well acted account of a dark period in California history. What was fascinating for me was remembering how different it was back in that period. Pulling over because somebody was honking at you? Not being A surprisingly gripping and well acted account of a dark period in California history. What was fascinating for me was remembering how different it was back in that period. Pulling over because somebody was honking at you? Not being surprised when they offered to help? Not driving off when a stranger comes driving up? Zodiac was able to take advantage of people because they didn't expect that type of behavior from strangers back then - and he is, at least in part, responsible for the fact that we just don't trust each other as much as we used to. A fascinating film about a cultural turning point.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

7

BlakeJ.Mar 11, 2007

I can guarantee two things to the avid movie goer about this movie: the first, it will grip you at the beginning, the second, you WILL fall in love with Robert Downey Jr. Not to mention that you are bound to get freaked out by all of the I can guarantee two things to the avid movie goer about this movie: the first, it will grip you at the beginning, the second, you WILL fall in love with Robert Downey Jr. Not to mention that you are bound to get freaked out by all of the killings. Director David Fincher does it again, his camera work is worth your money alone, not to mention the fact that he somehow gets great performances out of everyone he puts on screen. The second half of the movie drags on, I think it is supposed to however, since the end of the investigation dragged on for years. It was most definitely unique...And most definitely worth seeing,… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

6

DWillyMar 11, 2007

Very strong movie making skills on display, but, ultimately, you feel had. The acting is solid throughout, although Downey causes some Courtney Love style just-playing-your-debauched-self winces; but Mark Ruffalo, taking another step toward Very strong movie making skills on display, but, ultimately, you feel had. The acting is solid throughout, although Downey causes some Courtney Love style just-playing-your-debauched-self winces; but Mark Ruffalo, taking another step toward big time actor, pretty much leaves everybody else in the dust. Apart from one great scene, with the guy who's the best guess for the real Zodiac, not much of this stylish collection of facts and red-herring effects sticks.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

DanF.Mar 10, 2007

To be honest, I did check my watch, but only because I thought we were hitting the climax (which we were an hour away from.) Beautiful looking, never boring, great performances, SPECTACULAR storyline (and huge bonus that its true.)

0 of 1 users found this helpful

9

PeterM.Mar 10, 2007

This was a great movie, from the groundbreaking filming methods and shots, to the great acting from Robert Downey Jr. It did not feel two and a half hours at all! The movie moved along at a perfect pace, and was never difficult to follow. This was a great movie, from the groundbreaking filming methods and shots, to the great acting from Robert Downey Jr. It did not feel two and a half hours at all! The movie moved along at a perfect pace, and was never difficult to follow. The killings were brutal, but did not affect the mood off the movie too drastically. The music was fitting, and the cinematography was groundbreaking to say the least. The scene on the Golden Gate Bridge was incredible! GREAT MOVIE. Highly Recomended.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

2

EricW.Mar 9, 2007

As a huge fan of Se7en I couldn't wait to see David Fincher's latest film, Zodiac. After over two and a half hours of the movie I walked out of the theater stunned

1 of 5 users found this helpful

4

GS.Mar 9, 2007

BORING! Gotta say, I'm a huge Fincher fan, but he missed the boat on this one. Not enough plot, no real suspense, and I didn't care for any of the characters after the first 30 minutes. The acting was great, but this movie seemed BORING! Gotta say, I'm a huge Fincher fan, but he missed the boat on this one. Not enough plot, no real suspense, and I didn't care for any of the characters after the first 30 minutes. The acting was great, but this movie seemed to take itself too seriously. Fincher did a great job of condensing all that info into a movie that people could follow, but it would have been better served as a documentary on the case rather than a feature movie. Seems like there was no real need to make this movie.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful

9

BillyS.Mar 8, 2007

No way in hell can you make a 2 hour and 40 minute movie about an unsolved serial-killer case that spends nearly two and a half hours on the investigation without seeing the killer but focuses on its effect on the two cops and two reporters No way in hell can you make a 2 hour and 40 minute movie about an unsolved serial-killer case that spends nearly two and a half hours on the investigation without seeing the killer but focuses on its effect on the two cops and two reporters who become consumed with finding him, no way could the story grow more and more gripping with a hypnotic intensity, no way could the setting of Snn Francisco in the late 60's and early 70's be so perfectly recreated to the finest detail in its production design, music, and cinematography, and no way could Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr. and Brian Cox give award worthy performances when everyone is waiting to see the Zodiac Killer. No way! What's that you say? David Fincher directed it... oh, i see, nevermind.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

PoojaMar 8, 2007

I thought it was a great movie. The plot was great and the acting was great. The only complaint is that it was a little bit to long. If it was slightly short it would have been a 10

0 of 0 users found this helpful

5

JonS.Mar 8, 2007

This was a sub-par movie should have been like hour and a half but stretched it out for like 3 hours. It did have some funny dialogue but overall it was an average movie.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

8

WillieGreenMar 7, 2007

***may contain slight spoilers if not familiar with the subject matter start to finish***

pros: masterfully executed, easily among the best work to date from primary cast & crew (downey, ruffalo, fincher), great suspense during the sparse***may contain slight spoilers if not familiar with the subject matter start to finish***

pros: masterfully executed, easily among the best work to date from primary cast & crew (downey, ruffalo, fincher), great suspense during the sparse moments when it's allowed to creep in, was rather painless to watch despite the running time (save for a few flinching scenes), and engaging start to finish

cons: not as cohesive or gripping as I had hoped, most will find it a bit too long, the built-in realities leave viewers aching for more progress and closure throughout, meanders a bit in some spots, and ultimately I think it remains to be seen whether zodiac becomes the instant classic that all the short-term praise would seem to suggest

well done, but ultimately less memorable than something like se7en (or lambs) due to a lack of several essential hooks you'll find among the instant classics in the genre - the great news is I can say that I look forward to more work like this from both the director and some cast members… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

WestoMar 7, 2007

for anyone expecting to sit down for a 90 minute hyper-stylized blood orgy, i can understand some people checking their watches. but if you go in ready to invest three hours in an intricate and brilliantly sequenced crime drama i guarantee for anyone expecting to sit down for a 90 minute hyper-stylized blood orgy, i can understand some people checking their watches. but if you go in ready to invest three hours in an intricate and brilliantly sequenced crime drama i guarantee you will be totally blown away. i loved everything about this movie; the pacing, the acting, the cinematography, and screenplay were all tuned to perfection. i have as much OCD and ADD as the rest of those living in western society and this movie still kept me on the edge of my seat just through the sheer passion of the characters themselves. fight club and se7en were great of course but i thought this really stood out as a masterpiece for david fincher and a mature piece of really highly focused storytelling that doesn't drag for a second.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

DonaldR.Mar 6, 2007

Dark, detailed and dreamlike, Zodiac creeps into you like a ghost. I have not stopped thinking of this film since seeing it. Fincher has done a brilliant job of capturing everything about the time and place of this story, and his actors have Dark, detailed and dreamlike, Zodiac creeps into you like a ghost. I have not stopped thinking of this film since seeing it. Fincher has done a brilliant job of capturing everything about the time and place of this story, and his actors have delivered performances that are wise and nuanced. This is magnificent filmmaking and one of the best, satisfying films I've ever seen. Bravo!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

AaronS.Mar 6, 2007

David Fincher's most fully realized film to date. In the past, the director's visual style occasionally rubbed your nose in it's technique-'Zodiac' is a near perfect display of admirable directorial restraint. David Fincher's most fully realized film to date. In the past, the director's visual style occasionally rubbed your nose in it's technique-'Zodiac' is a near perfect display of admirable directorial restraint. Instead of just another serial killer thriller-Fincher and his very fine cast create an elegant mood piece about obession, the media and the '70s. Excellent film that I hope many will take a chance to seek out. Sure to be one of the year's cinematic highlights come December when the top ten lists roll around.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

6

MattP.Mar 6, 2007

Way, wayyyyyyy too long. Too much exposition at the end and not enough Fincher-esque suspense. If this movie was cut down by about 45 minutes, then it would get a 10, but as is, a 6.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

StevenR.Mar 5, 2007

Excellent film. The atmosphere and attention to detail effectively recreate one of the most interesting and unsolved serial killer cases in U.S. history. Fincher did an excellent job with the story.

3 of 4 users found this helpful

9

MichaelL.Mar 5, 2007

God, what a bunch of pinheads critics can be. Zodiac is "unsatisfying"? "No resolution"? "About a writer rather than a killer?" Newsflash...the crime was never solved! This is a brilliant, subtle film by sledgehammer director Fincher, and God, what a bunch of pinheads critics can be. Zodiac is "unsatisfying"? "No resolution"? "About a writer rather than a killer?" Newsflash...the crime was never solved! This is a brilliant, subtle film by sledgehammer director Fincher, and it's a welcome change. With enough "Se7en" clones to fill an entire video store, how nice to be cerebrally challenged! This, none the less, is one of the creepiest film in recent memory--gave me honest to God nightmares. Bravo to Fincher and the uniformly excellent cast. And whoever chose "Hurdy Gurdy Man" as soundtrack material is a genius--I'll never be able to listen to Donovan again.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

6

SusanH.Mar 4, 2007

In many ways, as others have commented this is a really good movie, but ultimately many sections are flat and tedious. Perhaps Fincher was trying to give the audience a true sense of what crime investigation is really like and how the many In many ways, as others have commented this is a really good movie, but ultimately many sections are flat and tedious. Perhaps Fincher was trying to give the audience a true sense of what crime investigation is really like and how the many false leads and dead ends lead to an obsessive need to find the answer.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

8

JasonM.Mar 4, 2007

This is a very well done movie. The length is a little long but it is worth it. This isnt a horror film and some people think it is and are utterly disappointed and dislike a welldone film. Seven and Fight Club are better but you are limited This is a very well done movie. The length is a little long but it is worth it. This isnt a horror film and some people think it is and are utterly disappointed and dislike a welldone film. Seven and Fight Club are better but you are limited when you are working with a true story.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

4

RyanB.Mar 4, 2007

This is a great movie but a 3 hour movie and the middle part of it gets boring as hell and it is predictable based on a true story and the zodiac killer was never caught and the movie was featured on americas most wanted if you watch that This is a great movie but a 3 hour movie and the middle part of it gets boring as hell and it is predictable based on a true story and the zodiac killer was never caught and the movie was featured on americas most wanted if you watch that episode it will tell you everything that happened in the movie.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

ChrisSMar 4, 2007

This movie was amazing. The movie was ver long, but through out the whole movie I never wanted it to end. I was hooked from start to finish. Robert Downey Jr. was incredible. David Fincher is an amazing director (Fight Club is his best This movie was amazing. The movie was ver long, but through out the whole movie I never wanted it to end. I was hooked from start to finish. Robert Downey Jr. was incredible. David Fincher is an amazing director (Fight Club is his best work). This movie was terryfing and suspenseful throught the whole movie. I just watched last night, but I could watch it again today and be just as excited about it.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful

0

JohnH.Mar 4, 2007

This movie kicks off with a bang and then it is sooooo freeaaaking boring.

2 of 7 users found this helpful

8

PianocomposerGuyMar 4, 2007

In a word: A flawed masterpiece. All the director needed to do was cut a 30-minute sequence about a lead that went nowhere and it would have been perfect. This is not about a serial killer, or about catching him. It's about how an In a word: A flawed masterpiece. All the director needed to do was cut a 30-minute sequence about a lead that went nowhere and it would have been perfect. This is not about a serial killer, or about catching him. It's about how an unsolved crime destoys the lives of two cops and two newspaper employees who never get enough physical evidence for an indictment. The director (whose credits include the stunning Se7en) shows us the frustration and toll that the investigation has on their personal lives. One cop "gets out". Another is transferred out of the department after being accused of faking a letter from the Zodiac killer (he didn't). Robert Downey Jr. turns to drugs after getting a taste of fame after he accuses the Zodiac of being a latent homosexual and then becomes a target. Other than being overlong, the movie ends unsatisfactorily with accusations rather than arrests. A solid 8 with great acting performances.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

ChristianMar 4, 2007

A grown-up movie for once from Fincher, which is not meant as an insult. Fight Club is great and Seven has its' charms, but Zodiac is the sight of a filmmaker finding the humanity in his characters and giving them the respect they A grown-up movie for once from Fincher, which is not meant as an insult. Fight Club is great and Seven has its' charms, but Zodiac is the sight of a filmmaker finding the humanity in his characters and giving them the respect they deserve. the first ten minutes will absolutely terrify you, and from there you are riveted, more or less or the next two hours. Fincher doesn't flinch from the violence (has he ever?), but he doesn't linger either, like he did previously. It isn't perfect, due to a few scenes not quite adding up or adding to the plot, which may have been the point. One gets the sense this is a multiple viewing technique that will pay dividends in the future.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

8

DavidS.Mar 3, 2007

Outstanding script and pacing appropriate to the story - old-school detective work to find Zodiac. Ruffalo is - as always - outstanding. Gyllenhaal turns in an interesting performance as a real oddball. Great cast overall - not a bad choice Outstanding script and pacing appropriate to the story - old-school detective work to find Zodiac. Ruffalo is - as always - outstanding. Gyllenhaal turns in an interesting performance as a real oddball. Great cast overall - not a bad choice in the bunch. Greatest "Six Degrees" story of the film: Ruffalo's character (David Toschi) consulted on Bullitt with Steve McQueen and one of the supporting stars (Donal Logue) is the star of "The Tao of Steve," about the coolest guy in history, Steve McQueen.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

DawnAMar 3, 2007

Definitely a great movie. One of the best that I've seen recently. Accurate on the facts, suspenseful. Definitely a must see.

1 of 2 users found this helpful

10

MonaE.Mar 3, 2007

Master storytelling - impecable acting.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

WilliamMar 2, 2007

A sprawling masterpiece by the one and only David Fincher. He digs deep beneath our skins and creates a film for the ages. It features oscar worthy performaces from Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr.. The story takes hold A sprawling masterpiece by the one and only David Fincher. He digs deep beneath our skins and creates a film for the ages. It features oscar worthy performaces from Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr.. The story takes hold of us and refuses to let go until the very end which is left open ended. Was Leigh the killer or was it someone else. The obsession that took over these people ruined their lives anthe press egged it on. Their own obsession with getting the scoop transformed the Zodiac into a celebrity. They messed with everyone's minds and clues were messed around and people gave false testimonials only turning the case into a twisted never ending Labyrinth. Come oscar time next year this film should definitely be remebered. It is taut and thrilling and meticulous. Fincher, welcome to perfection.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

7

M.JohnsonMar 2, 2007

ZODIAC is not a thriller. Nor is it a suspense film. But I think that the people who find this film boring have missed the point. As have the people who praise it. That is because all of ZODIAC's points are made too shallowly. It shows ZODIAC is not a thriller. Nor is it a suspense film. But I think that the people who find this film boring have missed the point. As have the people who praise it. That is because all of ZODIAC's points are made too shallowly. It shows us investigative oversight and the tragic frustrations of case-work in a pre-digital age. But the film won't commit to being about that. And it falls short as character study- we are told of obsession and it's toll, but we are neither SHOWN nor presented the invitation to make up our own minds. What should be the most gripping aspects of the film instead become just more details, just more bits of evidence, in a story with no satisfactory resolution. Of course, life cannot always have satisfactory resolutions, but DRAMA can, and should- even in an open-ended story. As such, ZODIAC works only as an expertly crafted, quite interestin historical piece. A kind of lesser IN COLD BLOOD. Certainly worth seeing and to be appreciated in some ways, but nothing to get excited about.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

7

ThatMoviePinheadMar 2, 2007

This is good, maybe great. But is it interesting? timeless? breakthrough? astonishing? ummmm, probably no, no, no, and ....no David Fincher has become, just another great director, who chooses to do movies that don't push him, but This is good, maybe great. But is it interesting? timeless? breakthrough? astonishing? ummmm, probably no, no, no, and ....no David Fincher has become, just another great director, who chooses to do movies that don't push him, but rather keep him at a dangerous "Plateau" that "De Palma", "Ron Howard", "Joel Schumacher", etc... have all come to. Not a bad movie, actually quite good. But for a director of Fincher's caliber...to only make this movie and Panic Room IN 10 YEARS.. it warrants the question... What the HELL?????? For what it is, it's pretty great though. You know you're going to see it anyway, so enjoy it, and ignore my review of THIS MOVIE VS. the movie I wish he had the balls to make.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

8

CarlC.Mar 2, 2007

Great film, but like the detectives and newspaper people who pursued the ZODIAC KILLER, the resolution kills us all in the end a bit.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

8

VS.DobbsMar 2, 2007

Some advice for anyone heading out to see this one: pay attention. It's 3 hours but it moves fast and is packed with details and names and rarely stops to spoonfeed its audience.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

PaulK.Mar 2, 2007

This is a long one...but the pacing helps. Solid acting all around, with enough thrills to satisfy fans of Fincher's previous work. If you are fascinated with the zodiac killer, you will dig this and for the uninitiated, you will most This is a long one...but the pacing helps. Solid acting all around, with enough thrills to satisfy fans of Fincher's previous work. If you are fascinated with the zodiac killer, you will dig this and for the uninitiated, you will most likely be fascinated, after watching.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

TonyB.Mar 2, 2007

A terrifying, brilliant film along the lines of The Silence of the Lambs. It is truly revolutionary and unforgettable in several ways. Both directed and crafted to absolute perfection and acted with complete grace and dignity by Robert A terrifying, brilliant film along the lines of The Silence of the Lambs. It is truly revolutionary and unforgettable in several ways. Both directed and crafted to absolute perfection and acted with complete grace and dignity by Robert Downey Jr, who delivers a Oscar Nomination worthy performance and the young and very promising Jake Ghyenhaal. The movie is a masterpiece. Missing it would be insane. Based on the actual case files of one of the most intriguing unsolved crimes in the nation's history, Zodiac is a thriller from David Fincher, director of "Seven" and "Fight Club." As a serial killer terrifies the San Francisco Bay Area and taunts police with his ciphers and letters, investigators in four jurisdictions search for the murderer. The case will become an obsession for four men as their lives and careers are built and destroyed by the endless trail of clues. Zodiac exhausts more than one genre. Termite art par excellence, it burrows for the sake of burrowing, as fascinated by its own nooks and crannies as "Inland Empire." The film never veers from its stoically gripping, police-blotter tone, yet it begins to take on the quality of a dream. In Zodiac, working from a script by James Vanderbilt, Fincher has decidedly toned down his act. His straight-ahead, methodical direction isn't as flagrantly unsettling as much of his previous work, but it's more psychologically layered. In this film, for the first time, we feel for his characters when they bleed.… Expand

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10

MauriceJOhnsonMar 2, 2007

A terrifying, brilliant film along the lines of The Silence of the Lambs. It is truly revolutionary and unforgettable in several ways. Both directed and crafted to absolute perfection and acted with complete grace and dignity by Robert DowneyA terrifying, brilliant film along the lines of The Silence of the Lambs. It is truly revolutionary and unforgettable in several ways. Both directed and crafted to absolute perfection and acted with complete grace and dignity by Robert Downey Jr, who delivers a Oscar Nomination worthy performance and the young and very promising Jake Ghyenhaal. The movie is a masterpiece. Missing it would be insane.… Expand

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6

AllistairP.Mar 2, 2007

I think David Fincher started reading the reviews of his movies, as he decisvely strives away from INTENSE camera action and DRAMATIC storytelling. For the first hour this feels as good as any movie by the man, as it weaves in and out of the I think David Fincher started reading the reviews of his movies, as he decisvely strives away from INTENSE camera action and DRAMATIC storytelling. For the first hour this feels as good as any movie by the man, as it weaves in and out of the story and characters. Some great actors (Robert Downey is the shit!) and directing, but it all just half asses itself to the end. Perhaps the Zodiac is best left for books or a "BS" Hollywood script adaptation, as I'm sure no audience will feel that fufilled with any parts of this story. You can do worse for a movie to watch on a friday night, but David Fincher can do much better for a follow up to so many classic films. (WARNING: I liked Panic Room).… Expand

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7

IrfanB.Mar 1, 2007

Good movie, just 30 minutes longer than what it could have been. Kudos to good acting from all the actors. Robert Downy Jr did attempt to do a Johnny Depp a few times but still commendable overall.

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9

MatthewFeb 27, 2007

Fincher rebounds from the "One watch only" predictability of Panic Room. He's back on top. The movie is long and full of important dialog, so I think a lot of people won't like it. It's a thinker. I'll be adding this to Fincher rebounds from the "One watch only" predictability of Panic Room. He's back on top. The movie is long and full of important dialog, so I think a lot of people won't like it. It's a thinker. I'll be adding this to my expanding Fincher Shelf, with SE7EN, The Game and Fight Club.… Expand

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9

KyleS.Feb 27, 2007

Saw this at a screening, not expecting to like it and it was great. Tense, well-acted, and very thought provoking. Really enjoyed it.

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9

GrayFeb 26, 2007

Excellent. Just got back from an early screening in Boston, and I'm really happy with it. A very restrained effort from Fincher, despite it's length. A great script keeps all the happenings from ever getting confusing, and keeps Excellent. Just got back from an early screening in Boston, and I'm really happy with it. A very restrained effort from Fincher, despite it's length. A great script keeps all the happenings from ever getting confusing, and keeps the film enthralling for it's entire runtime.… Expand

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Zodiac

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