Zodiac
Paramount Pictures | Release Date: March 2, 2007
8.4
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 850 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
759
Mixed:
66
Negative:
25
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
RD.Aug 1, 2007
Hi I liked the movie. Gyllenhall, Downey Jr and Ruffalo's performances are fabulous. But the scene stealer is John Carroll Lynch as Arthur Leigh Allen. Although, he is there for only 5-6 minutes he is too creepy. Brilliant movie by Hi I liked the movie. Gyllenhall, Downey Jr and Ruffalo's performances are fabulous. But the scene stealer is John Carroll Lynch as Arthur Leigh Allen. Although, he is there for only 5-6 minutes he is too creepy. Brilliant movie by Fincher who also directed the brilliant Seven and Fight Club(1999). Although it is a bit slow, it is rewarding. DO not expect anything, you will be singing its raves. Those who way it is bakwaas are people who either do not like such intricate and grim movies or those who have very short attention span(no offense to anybody, it is your taste). Brilliant!… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
10
MonaE.Mar 3, 2007
Master storytelling - impecable acting.
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
ChadS.May 2, 2007
They started the meeting without him. You hear the off-camera voice of the editor-in-chief as Robert(Jake Gyllenhaal) enters the San Francisco Chronicle building; a pan finally delivers him into the conference room. He's tardy, but it They started the meeting without him. You hear the off-camera voice of the editor-in-chief as Robert(Jake Gyllenhaal) enters the San Francisco Chronicle building; a pan finally delivers him into the conference room. He's tardy, but it doesn't matter. The movie can get by without him, for now. "Zodiac", up to this point, is a police procedural and a workplace drama. How the screenplay transforms the cartoonist into a pro-active character for the stretch run is what makes "Zodiac" so exciting; to see the low-man at the Chronicle emerge out of Paul Avery's shadow. "Zodiac" is really an underdog story. It's kind of like watching "Rudy".… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
10
JakeV.B.Aug 9, 2007
Fincher's best film to date. His depiction of the havoc wreaked by Zodiak upon those given the task or personal obsession of catching him, in many ways psychologically akin to The Shinning, is so devastating that he wisely gives little Fincher's best film to date. His depiction of the havoc wreaked by Zodiak upon those given the task or personal obsession of catching him, in many ways psychologically akin to The Shinning, is so devastating that he wisely gives little time to the actual killings. We watch the pursuing characters as their task gradually grinds them down, and Fincher's attention to the details, large and small, reveals a confidence in his choice of the film's direction which places him among the very best of his profession. Gambling with a fairly long running time, Fincher's excellent cast executes the director's plan almost flawlessly. I've never been a fan of Mark Ruffalo or his acting, but Fincher puts him squarely in the spotlight and he delivers the performance of his life. Some may see this film as a boring, overlong police procedural , lacking the intensity generated by the expected blood-letting, but I don't.. Fincher's made some very decent films, but nothing like this. It's a renewed pleasure to find a director whose films are identified by his name a la Stanley Kubrick. Now let's see if Fincher can consistently produce a product at least equal to this film.… Expand
0 of 1 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
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
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
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
0 of 0 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
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
10
JoeyBJul 24, 2007
That wondrous rarity - a studio backed auteur masterpiece. Brilliant.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LeeM.Oct 24, 2008
The best thriller of the last 10 years by some distance.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
HenriM.Jul 29, 2009
The most chilling film I've seen in recent years. Not only does Fincher meticulously recreates the atmosphere and mood of the 70's, he gives a brilliant insight on obsession, and examines how the murder case took over people's The most chilling film I've seen in recent years. Not only does Fincher meticulously recreates the atmosphere and mood of the 70's, he gives a brilliant insight on obsession, and examines how the murder case took over people's lives. It's also technically superb, with great performances all around.… Expand
0 of 0 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
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
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
AitorE.May 21, 2007
Zodiac is more than a thriller, it´s definetly THE thriller. Fincher builds a huge, monumental story where there isn´t such a thing. He invades your mind with tones of information that never shows itself confusing, but Zodiac is more than a thriller, it´s definetly THE thriller. Fincher builds a huge, monumental story where there isn´t such a thing. He invades your mind with tones of information that never shows itself confusing, but brilliantly dispensed. Mark Ruffalo demonstrates once again the great actor he is, while Jake Gyllenhaal stand the weight of a relevant role efficiently. Summaring, Zodiac cannot be considered anything but a masterpiece of a director that loves his work and cinema. (the lake couple assassination, best filmed murder in history).… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
10
MattKAug 1, 2007
Excellent movie, one of the best i've seen in a long time. FIncher is back! Only complaint is that there are no special features/bonuses on this dvd.
1 of 2 users found this helpful
10
JosakAug 20, 2007
I absolutely loved this movie. I rented it and watched it 3 times over the weekend (can't remember the last time I've done that). Absolutely gripping; it keeps you hooked from start to finish. Everything about it is pure quality: I absolutely loved this movie. I rented it and watched it 3 times over the weekend (can't remember the last time I've done that). Absolutely gripping; it keeps you hooked from start to finish. Everything about it is pure quality: the way its constructed, the acting, everything plays out perfectly. Best of all, it keeps you at the edge of your seat wanting to know what happens next. And the fact that it's a true story and the killer was never caught, makes it all the more suspenseful and scary. This is my favorite movie of the year and probably the best I've seen in long while.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JayM.Apr 15, 2008
This strange, obsessive film by David Fincher is the perfect match of material and directorial personality. Given to compulsive retakes and meticulous preparation and long shoots, Mr. Fincher finds his alter ego in his characters compulsions This strange, obsessive film by David Fincher is the perfect match of material and directorial personality. Given to compulsive retakes and meticulous preparation and long shoots, Mr. Fincher finds his alter ego in his characters compulsions yielding a masterwork nearly unmatched in recent cinema. One of the 3 or 4 best films of 2007.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
10
NikJul 15, 2007
When I went to see Zodiac, I went alone, driven by boredom; at the time I just wanted something to do, so I thought I'd go see a movie, didn't think there was anything playing, but I noticed Zodiac had very favorable reviews, so I When I went to see Zodiac, I went alone, driven by boredom; at the time I just wanted something to do, so I thought I'd go see a movie, didn't think there was anything playing, but I noticed Zodiac had very favorable reviews, so I decided to see that, but I was NOT expecting what I saw. Zodiac is one of the most finely crafted motion pictures of all-time, I can't believe that's not even more praised by the critics and audience circles. The film is absolute brilliance, armed only with what was written in the books, and what the evidence tells us, the film manages to keep you mesmerized throughout it's entire 150+ running time (that is if you're mature enough to handle it). And even though i went in knowing that there wouldn't be any conclusion, somehow the film kept making me think "they're gonna fin him this time". And even though they didn't, I came out not remembering the last time I was so satisfied by a film. Probably the best I've seen since Sideways (which came out late in 04').… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
10
MarcosF.Aug 16, 2007
One of the best American movies of recent years, a deep regard into the United States after the September 11th (even if it runs in previous decades)
1 of 2 users found this helpful
10
DavidApr 19, 2008
Brilliant. Just because it isn't a typical slam-blam chaotic action-filled, gory serial killer movie, doesn't mean it won't send chills up your spine at times. Zodiac is at once a newspaper movie, a serial killer film, and a Brilliant. Just because it isn't a typical slam-blam chaotic action-filled, gory serial killer movie, doesn't mean it won't send chills up your spine at times. Zodiac is at once a newspaper movie, a serial killer film, and a meditation on the often excruciatingly frustrating results from hours and hours of police work. See it now.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
FilipeM.Oct 13, 2009
Right after I've seen the movie, I felt compelled to come here and leave the maximum rating. Ok, it's a looooooong movie, but thanks to Fincher's direction never gets boring and when you think that it's almost in the end, Right after I've seen the movie, I felt compelled to come here and leave the maximum rating. Ok, it's a looooooong movie, but thanks to Fincher's direction never gets boring and when you think that it's almost in the end, you get a new thrill. Besides that, there's the great character performed by Downey Jr. that chew the scenery by outstanding acting in his scenes. Seriously, if you're still reading this, don't waste any more time and GO WATCH THIS MOVIE!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RavenousMay 22, 2012
This isn't your typical Hollywood drivel dominated by special effects, and it's not a film for your typical short-attention-span-moviegoers; instead, it's a riveting analysis of the most definitive evidence in the case. I guess some peopleThis isn't your typical Hollywood drivel dominated by special effects, and it's not a film for your typical short-attention-span-moviegoers; instead, it's a riveting analysis of the most definitive evidence in the case. I guess some people found it lacking in the typical blockbuster flash, but in my book that's a really GOOD thing. The characters are all very well-acted, and the screenplay was quite good. As they say, the truth is stranger than fiction, and this presentation of the Zodiac case is truly as compelling as they come. Excellent job.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
RoscoMay 9, 2011
A work of genius in storytelling by David Fincher in what is a phenominal adaption of the killings of the Zodiac killer. Clever casting for the lead roles leads to some outstanding performances by Jake Gyllenhall, Robert Downey Jr. and MarkA work of genius in storytelling by David Fincher in what is a phenominal adaption of the killings of the Zodiac killer. Clever casting for the lead roles leads to some outstanding performances by Jake Gyllenhall, Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo. The film itself is long, some might say to long but the every detail, big and small is so precise and is key to Fincher conveying his take on events and also in showing the effects the Zodiac has on each character. But don't let how long the film is put you off because its so compelling and intense yet intriguing that it keeps you following the story and wanting to see whats going to happen next. Ofcourse the main point of story is based on the murders of the Zodiac killer but the main theme is how the killings affect each character and gradually wares them down with initially, the lack evidence to identify a suspect and then later to make a proper conviction. Downey dazzles as a journalist investigating the murders that brings him new found popularity which leads him down the drugs route due to the frustration and inability to find the man responsible, Ruffalo is is fantastic form and delivers a magestic performance as a cop tasked with finding the Zodiac, Gyllenhall is the surprise of the show for me, his portray of a strange and peculiar yet inspiring cartoonist, Robert, is tremendous, but Finchers choice in John Carroll Lynch as Arthur Leigh Arthur was genius as his depiction of the prime suspect is fabulously creepy and encapsulates the reason why he is the prime suspect to perfection. All in all Zodiac is a truely exceptional piece of filmmaking and something that you simply cannot afford to miss out on.… Expand
9 of 11 users found this helpful92
All this user's reviews
10
LDMNov 9, 2011
Incredible film. Suspenseful, engrossing, chilling. Everything about it (acting, script, cinematography, score) is brilliant. Fincher at his absolute best.
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
All this user's reviews
10
Compi24Nov 28, 2012
David Fincher delivers a pretty entertaining thriller with "Zodiac". The story follows several men who become obsessed with the infamous Zodiac Killer and his reign of terror over the San Francisco Bay area during the 60s and 70s. The movieDavid Fincher delivers a pretty entertaining thriller with "Zodiac". The story follows several men who become obsessed with the infamous Zodiac Killer and his reign of terror over the San Francisco Bay area during the 60s and 70s. The movie delves deep into what happens to investigators when their cases go unsolved, and how far they'll go to uncover the truth. All in all, I felt that "Zodiac" was a pretty well-crafted film - especially in a technical sense. David Fincher implements a number of convoluted CG techniques to recreate the Zodiac Killer murders and certain areas of San Francisco. Fincher also filmed the majority film using the digital Thomsom Viper camera, something that, at the time, was relatively innovative. The acting was pretty great, I felt that every actor delivered their roles with the utmost accuracty. Also, the script seemed very well written and fairly convincing. As a film, "Zodiac" really does it's job of making you feel as though you are chasing after the elusive killer himself.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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10
bfoore90Oct 8, 2015
While there have been other attempts to create the Zodiac killer's reign of terror on the big screen, none quite compare to David Fincher's Zodiac. The film itself is very long, but it doesn't stop for one second at keeping you entertainedWhile there have been other attempts to create the Zodiac killer's reign of terror on the big screen, none quite compare to David Fincher's Zodiac. The film itself is very long, but it doesn't stop for one second at keeping you entertained and keeping you on the edge of your seat in suspense as Fincher explores every precise little detail, both big and small of the events that take place during the Zodiac's murderous run. The casting of Jake Gyllenhall dazzles as he is easily one of the best actors in the film as you feel his journalistic obsession at finding out who the Zodiac is come to light. The rest of the cast, more specifically Downey Jr and Ruffalo shine as well making this eerily, creepy thriller a welcomed edition to the horror genre.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
Another_NerdMar 10, 2015
Zodiac is what you would expect a proper brilliant mystery-thriller to be. It is a **** edge of the seat, and more importantly, a film based on curiosity. Anti-climactic, yes, but it's a true story. Very few movies have such a good anti-climax.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
jacobshoffDec 22, 2014
This movie right here is a true edge of your seat thriller. This movie shows you a guy who could be the zodiac but right when you think you've solved it and found the guy who really is the zodiac it turns you in a different direction andThis movie right here is a true edge of your seat thriller. This movie shows you a guy who could be the zodiac but right when you think you've solved it and found the guy who really is the zodiac it turns you in a different direction and shows you another guy and everything you thought you knew about the other guy turns out to be false and not true. Great Suspense Thriller. LOVE IT!!!!!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
SupaNova2503Apr 25, 2016
There is not a dull moment in this note-perfect masterpiece. This film will burrow it's way into your mind and leave you as obsessed as the characters. Fantastic performances by Jake Gyllenhall, Robert Downey Jr. and the rest of theThere is not a dull moment in this note-perfect masterpiece. This film will burrow it's way into your mind and leave you as obsessed as the characters. Fantastic performances by Jake Gyllenhall, Robert Downey Jr. and the rest of the supporting cast elevate this film above being simply another serial killer flick based on a true story. Fincher's outstanding direction makes this arguably his best film to date. Do yourself a favour and watch this film if you haven't already. If you have, watch it again!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
ThreeboxIndoorsDec 20, 2016
Zodiac is almost three hours long and unlike most films of it kind, it focuses mostly on patient, methodical police work instead of exciting chase sequences or shootouts, yet it manages to be suspenseful throughout the ENTIRE runtime. ThereZodiac is almost three hours long and unlike most films of it kind, it focuses mostly on patient, methodical police work instead of exciting chase sequences or shootouts, yet it manages to be suspenseful throughout the ENTIRE runtime. There is not a single moment no matter how many times i watch it do i think is slow, when yet more than 95% of the film is expositional dialogue. That may sound bad, but in Zodiac, the exposition IS the drama. Drama happens whenever a character learns a new piece of information, and how does that information fit with what they already know. This works so well because we care about every character investigating the case, of Jake Gylenhaal's performance as Robert Graysmith, a cartoonist who eventually becomes obsessed with the Zodiac case. He is acted so well, and in a way that makes us also just as obsessed with the Zodiac as he is. Which brings me to what the movie portrays brilliantly - The extreme obsession to find out new information, and how the Zodiac had such an effect on peoples lives. We see Robert's family leave him due to his constant obsession with the Zodiac. We see Paul Avery, a journalist who gains new popularity as he investigates the murders, which leads him down the drugs route due to the frustation and inability to find the man responsible. The other 5% of the film consists of a total of only four scenes where we see the killer do anything, and they all happen in the first act of the movie. In the second act, the police do their part, and then in the excruciatingly suspenseful third act, it is just Robert Graysmith by himself. The killer's moments are terrifying, and even more so when you realize it also happened in real life, and the precise amount of detail that was put into accurately recreating these events is astonishing, and it gets under your skin whenever you think about it. As well as a disturbing bus threat that the Zodiac makes, and ESPECIALLY John Caroll Lynch's performance as Arthur Leigh Allen, the main suspect. He... is creepy to say the least. He is up there with Hannibal Lecter, and this film is up there with Silence Of The Lambs. I think it is one of the best directed films ever made, and it is perfectly constructed and crafted to the point where it never slows down for me at all. Every scene is edited in a way that makes it interesting. i can't find a single flaw or dull moment in Zodiac. It is a masterpiece and i have to give it a 10/10.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
DrBlahBlahMay 3, 2017
Aside from The Social Network, this is Fincher's best film. An understated, stylish mystery/thriller, which brilliantly depicts the psychology of obsession.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
theCRITIC2May 23, 2018
Everything about this movie is great. Fincher is a great director. This should have been a Best Picture nominee. What great about this film is that you also become obsessed like the characters there that became obsessed with the mysteriousEverything about this movie is great. Fincher is a great director. This should have been a Best Picture nominee. What great about this film is that you also become obsessed like the characters there that became obsessed with the mysterious case of the Zodiac killer, even after you have watched the film. One best thing about this movie is the visual effects and also the CGI. In fact, you don't feel the visual effects and the CGI because it's done so well.I think this is one of the best movie ever made.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
MahmusSep 25, 2020
In my opinion, the greatest detective movie ever made.
The attention to detail is incredible.
A technical masterpice where every filmmaking aspect is perfect. Direction, cinematography, editing, writing, acting, visual effects, music,In my opinion, the greatest detective movie ever made.
The attention to detail is incredible.

A technical masterpice where every filmmaking aspect is perfect.
Direction, cinematography,
editing, writing,
acting, visual effects,
music, profuction design,
sound design,
every aspect of this movie comes together to create a fast-paced, snappy and stylish movie where information goes by fast and it sticks with you.

Slowly, the movie becomes a harrowing portrayal of frustation turned into obsesion.
And just like with Robert Graysmith, it gets me obsesed with the case as well.

Amazing.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
DawdlingPoetNov 20, 2021
This is more a crime mystery movie than a horror/thriller I feel as although there are some violent scenes, the majority of the movie focuses on the police and the press. The movie is a little slow paced for those looking for aThis is more a crime mystery movie than a horror/thriller I feel as although there are some violent scenes, the majority of the movie focuses on the police and the press. The movie is a little slow paced for those looking for a horror/thriller perhaps but its certainly interesting to follow the investigation and see how the media reached out to the killer and tried to understand him at first. Investigations seem pretty fruitless at first but then people come forward claiming to be the killer, although after discussions its clear none of them are the killer as they lack the detailed knowledge the killer would have known, then they come across someone who flatly denies their the killer yet who seems very much like 'their guy' but how can they prove this?. Its quite a frustrating watch as you can probably imagine but its quite intriguing as well and I thought the characters were interesting enough to keep me wanting to continue to watch it, that and the media interaction angle of the story.

I noticed that in some scenes, the musical score added to the suspense. The soundtrack is certainly 'of its time' and so for a change I thought it was worth nothing that, I think this movie is helped by good use of some songs/background incidental music.

Its quite frustrating to see how people such as Paul Avery baby Robert Graysmith as he shows real curiosity and a drive to solve the mystery as to the identity of the killer. I suppose in a sense its a typical story of the underdog ignoring the naysayers and going with his instincts, pursuing his fascination and interest, in the search for the truth and all of that, though he's rather naive and its a wonder his wife stuck around for as long as she did, given the danger that he put himself and his family in by going public with his investigations. Equally, at times its surprising that those in the PD co-operated with him 'off the book' years later, as much as they did.

This is quite an interesing movie, I felt it was quite suspenseful towards the end, the story was interesting, it left me guessing and the characters were well portrayed.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
SH4GGYMay 29, 2020
It's Just one of the best movies of the 2000's I can't say anything bad 'bout this movie except of the length. Everybody needs to watch this movie!
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
Abso_lute1Jun 30, 2021
Brilliant crime thriller with excellent dialogue, Zodiac is filled with great tension and does not prolong it's stay.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
DunkaccinoAug 11, 2023
What this masterpiece excels at is that it doesn’t focus on the killings, or even the killer. It’s about the persuasiveness; the restless nights that are spent; the extreme determination to find something—anything—even though the hints failWhat this masterpiece excels at is that it doesn’t focus on the killings, or even the killer. It’s about the persuasiveness; the restless nights that are spent; the extreme determination to find something—anything—even though the hints fail them over and over.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
MasterspeedMar 26, 2022
Saya sangat suka film apalagi film ini di ambil dari kisah nyata film ini sangat keren sekali
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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
MikeP.Feb 20, 2008
Beautifully done, has me guessing the whole way not much better movies out there!
0 of 1 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
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
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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
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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
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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
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9
SteveKSep 19, 2007
First off, this is a detective movie, NOT a slasher/thriller/horror movie. If you go in expecting a slasher, after the first 30 minutes or so, you will be disappointed. Fincher is a master story-teller. It's fascinating, gripping stuff. First off, this is a detective movie, NOT a slasher/thriller/horror movie. If you go in expecting a slasher, after the first 30 minutes or so, you will be disappointed. Fincher is a master story-teller. It's fascinating, gripping stuff. It takes a more mature film-watching pallate, meaning there are not a lot of car crashes and special effects. Teeny-boppers who are overstimulated on MTV probably will not enjoy this one. The suspense is woven into the story appropriately adding a chilling menace that is present throughout the pic. Great movie, another triumph for David Fincher.… Expand
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9
ChessLMar 4, 2009
This was a great movie in my perspective, all those that think this movie was a total shrek, well you can all suck 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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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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9
ScottS.Feb 13, 2008
Great film a little complicated to follow in places due to the many names and dates used but it will keep you guessing throughout. Highly enjoyable.
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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
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.
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9
JimD.Mar 16, 2007
This is not your typical Hollywood
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9
ScottW.Aug 24, 2007
Deep, long story and with a frightfull grip, Zodiac is a movie that you can get lost in. Its what movies are for.You will become obsessed yourself, with the case during the show right up to the end. If you like David Fincher films and have Deep, long story and with a frightfull grip, Zodiac is a movie that you can get lost in. Its what movies are for.You will become obsessed yourself, with the case during the show right up to the end. If you like David Fincher films and have not checked out Zodiac. Please do. This one is one of his best. A 9.5 for me.… Expand
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9
Potter17Dec 10, 2011
Treating James Vanderbilt's screenplay with a natural talent of a capable filmmaker by mixing suspenseful sequences with haunting pauses, David Fincher makes of Zodiac a good addition to the thriller genre.
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9
Alexander_FredDec 8, 2011
Zodiac is a near perfect film. While it takes on the same manner of story telling as All the President's Men, it does not quite match the classic film's essence, but all in all it becomes something great. It is a rarity to see a film about aZodiac is a near perfect film. While it takes on the same manner of story telling as All the President's Men, it does not quite match the classic film's essence, but all in all it becomes something great. It is a rarity to see a film about a serial killer in today's market not filled with gore and violence for the sake of gore and violence. It also becomes rarer when that film focuses on the characters on the outside looking in: the news reporters, the police, etc. Again it becomes rarer when the actors have the capacity to truly bring out their respective character's persona and do so not just well, but beyond the viewer's expectations. Zodiac manages to do all of this while blending together terrific directing and a pace that just flows with the two and a half hour length so that the film remains an interesting, though all around disturbing, tale of humanity's deepest depths of violence and hatred rather than a sluggish bore, even without a focus on gallons of blood and severed limbs. In the end, this is a film that stands in contrast to Saw, Hostel, and all the other blood baths being pushed in front of us. It is a film that is actually good, perhaps more than good.… Expand
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9
SpangleNov 2, 2013
Amazing film. The eerie mood created by Fincher leaves you on the edge of your seat the entire time. There may not be much action, but the story still manages to hook you in and keep you interested for the full 150+ minutes. On that note, itAmazing film. The eerie mood created by Fincher leaves you on the edge of your seat the entire time. There may not be much action, but the story still manages to hook you in and keep you interested for the full 150+ minutes. On that note, it may be 150+ minutes, but it certainly does not feel like that in the least.… Expand
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9
cameronmorewoodNov 7, 2012
Zodiac is an ingenious labyrinth of a film that conveniently hits its climax just as we think its slowing down on us. This is great filmmaking from David Fincher, one of the greats of our time.
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9
chidimeMay 20, 2017
Great movie. The 2nd half is far more captivating and chilling than the first, but both were superb. I fully recommend this. Very long, but really worth it.
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9
MovieGuysMar 29, 2014
Knowing the way David Fincher's movies work, I was expecting a twist at the end, and I was disappointed when there wasn't one. However, Zodiac is still terrifyingly creepy, eerie, and its suspense level rises into Hitchcockian territory.Knowing the way David Fincher's movies work, I was expecting a twist at the end, and I was disappointed when there wasn't one. However, Zodiac is still terrifyingly creepy, eerie, and its suspense level rises into Hitchcockian territory. Fincher's refusal to tie up loose ends in the movie as far as leads doesn't seek to confuse; instead, it seeks for the viewer to try to solve this case in his/her head. And for that fact alone, this movie stands out above the average genre fare.… Expand
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9
Matsoni93Jan 23, 2015
Zodiac is an intense experience, it has a tense, gripping, ominous, visceral and suspenseful atmosphere throughout, and it features solid acting from its lead actors, and a typically strong direction from Fincher.
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9
MattBrady99Mar 16, 2018
“THIS IS THE ZODIAC SPEAKING”.

David Fincher's masterpiece "Zodiac" turns 11 years old today and it still scares me. In my opinion, it's my favorite David Fincher film. Just the little details that went into re-creating the crime scenes and“THIS IS THE ZODIAC SPEAKING”.

David Fincher's masterpiece "Zodiac" turns 11 years old today and it still scares me. In my opinion, it's my favorite David Fincher film. Just the little details that went into re-creating the crime scenes and the overall feel of it. I was surprised to find out how much CGI was in the movie, as it blended so well with the environment it was set in.

There are so many great scenes in this movie that I can't name it all. But that basement scene was just nightmare fuel. It scares me more than any horror movie and it's not even a horror film. The cinematography, the sound, the directing, and Gyllenhaal performance was so excellent. The same goes for the rest of the movie.… Expand
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9
alejandro970Dec 11, 2016
Chilling real life story of the desperate manhunt for a cold-heart serial killer, in which participed journalists and cops. Downey Jr., Ruffalo and Gyllenhall makes remarkables performances.
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9
gentgaga210Nov 5, 2017
I like killing people because it is so much fun. It is more fun than killing wild game in the forest because man is the most dangerous animal of them all.” This was said by one of the most notorious serial killers in America, the Zodiac.I like killing people because it is so much fun. It is more fun than killing wild game in the forest because man is the most dangerous animal of them all.” This was said by one of the most notorious serial killers in America, the Zodiac. Directed by David Fincher, the film Zodiac (2007) is based on the 1986 non-fiction crime mystery book Zodiac by Robert Graysmith. In the late 1960s, the murderer claimed that he had killed 37 people and despite numerous investigations, the case still remains unsolved and no one has ever been arrested. The film starts out with a sudden and brutal bloodbath, followed by another and another. The Zodiac sends multiple taunting letters of an enigmatic nature written using various ciphers. The Zodiac directly contacts the San Francisco Chronicle: “I want to report a murder…no, a double murder. They are two miles north of Park Headquarters. They were in a white Volkswagen Kharmann Ghia. I’m the one that did it.” An underrated masterpiece of the 21st century, Fincher manages to make the entire investigation much more personal and thrilling. He imbues the film with a subdued tone unlike his previous works Fight Club (1999) and Se7en (1995), which exhilarate the audience with thrills. The title character of the film is the infamous Zodiac, but the film overall is not really about the murderer. The focus quickly transitions from the murderer to the personal lives of those involved in the Zodiac case—David Toschi (Mark Ruffalo), the lead inspector, Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr.), a bearded, smoking, alcoholic reporter, and editorial cartoonist Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal). The obsession behind Graysmith’s 13-year investigation is highlighted by Fincher’s original style of storytelling. He meticulously crafts each frame with visual and narrative information, accurately conveying the passage of time. His constant use of time—presenting days and dates at the bottom of the screen— underlines how quickly time passes in reality, but from Graysmith’s perspective, time moves slowly, and the case seems to drag him down as he obsesses over the murders. As the film continues to go deeper into the case, one cannot help but also become fixated and sometimes pause the film to research more about the Zodiac. This is due to the acting skills—Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance here is one of his best—and the editing that makes this movie incredibly suspenseful and rather fast-moving. With a running time of 156 minutes, the director had a purpose for making it so long. The narrative, transitions, and acting are all so perfectly crafted for the audience that the film rarely feels like it is purposely dragging its running time out. The intense obsession and desire to find out more about the Zodiac can be seen in not only Robert Graysmith, but also David Toschi and Paul Avery. Viewers can see that Detective Toschi, who is trying to solve the case, is always frustrated because all the evidence is circumstantial, while reporter Paul Avery, who always gets high and reads the Zodiac letters while lighting a cigarette, seems to be tense. Just like the poster which is filled with mist, as each of the characters gets more invested in the case, viewers can notice that they are starting to drown in it.

Because this film is based on a true story, it makes the film more exceptional and authentic. Unlike the structure of most narrative films, Zodiac avoids cliché chase scenes, grand finales and climaxes—rather it follows the painstaking process of police investigations. Still, it does not mean that the movie is not terrifying. Viewers will sit on the edge of their seats when Graysmith receives several unknown calls, only hearing heavy breathing over the phone. Viewers might first admire Graysmith’s determination to catch the homicidal murderer only to realize that the film’s main theme is all about obsession and its side effects. Unlike many crime or investigative films, Zodiac is about what happens after everyone forgets about the murderer, except a dedicated few remaining to follow a trail that grows murkier by the day. The movie’s theme of obsession is perfectly represented through the characters, people who want to solve the case not to help the victims, but only to solve the puzzle. In the end, not only do the characters go through an exhaustive investigation, but David Fincher and the others who made the film also had to go through a strenuous proce ss. The crew interviewed survivors of the Zodiac case, went through thousands of documents, and had to retrace the killer’s steps alongside the officers who worked on the case. Their work was not in vain, resulting in a meticulously detailed and suspenseful film.… Expand
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9
WalterTSolleyDec 26, 2017
David Fincher’s masterpiece is a remarkably detailed police procedural. Technically astonishing; even more impressive is the superb writing and acting. Truly terrifying, the work of a filmmaking genius, ultimately addicting. MultipleDavid Fincher’s masterpiece is a remarkably detailed police procedural. Technically astonishing; even more impressive is the superb writing and acting. Truly terrifying, the work of a filmmaking genius, ultimately addicting. Multiple viewings joyously required. Robert Downey, Jr. is brilliant.… Expand
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9
RaduAFeb 7, 2019
90/100

Among the best thrillers, the acting was impeccable as well as the representation of what happened. Very well detailed. In conclusion, you must watch this movie !
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9
KidScoobieApr 15, 2019
A mind-bending crime thriller with some of the best acting I've ever seen in a film.
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9
Atrium89May 24, 2021
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9
Autopsy904Jun 13, 2021
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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
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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
8
JohnOMar 9, 2008
This is superb!! If you like intelligent murder thrillers you won't be disappointed.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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8
DanB.Jul 26, 2007
Really good, engrossing and interesting... I'm kind of surprised it didn't do better. And I saw it on a plane, too, with distractions--it *still* got me. Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr. are great, too.
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8
GavinC.Aug 20, 2009
'Zodiac' displays both gripping suspense and comedy while introducing a mix between 'scary film' and 'murder mystery film'.
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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.
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8
JavierBJul 22, 2007
Really long movie but an interesting and good film.
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8
jwAug 11, 2007
Does anybody else feel that hiring Robert Downey, Jr. to play a brilliant but hopelessly cynical and sarcastic addict is something like hiring the world's best hacker to design hacker-proof software? He has a hopelessly unfair advantage Does anybody else feel that hiring Robert Downey, Jr. to play a brilliant but hopelessly cynical and sarcastic addict is something like hiring the world's best hacker to design hacker-proof software? He has a hopelessly unfair advantage in that respect, but the results are always, ALWAYS entertaining. Observed at a safe distance, he is one of our best actors. And that label can be extended to Gyllenhaal and Ruffalo, I think. One is under-appreciated for everything but Brokeback Mountain, and the other is just flat under-appreciated. Nice to see Edwards again, too - he pairs well with Ruffalo. The movie itself is wound perfectly. The horrific stabbings in Napa are all the prompt one needs to remain tense through even the most mundane scenes to follow. Surely friends and family of the "few" true victims have no trouble seeing Zodiac as more than just an underachieving kook. The manic frustration of all involved is easily understood when framed this way.… Expand
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8
ChrisVAug 16, 2007
This movie isnt the best ever seen, its very long, and its entertaining, just because it was a true story, dont see it if you think you are gonna see Michael Myers in accion
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8
CRLAug 15, 2011
This is a hard movie for me to rate, for a myriad of reasons. Zodiac is based on a true story; Robert Graysmith's book of the same name. To be able to take such a convoluted story and condense it into a movie is an achievement in itself. TheThis is a hard movie for me to rate, for a myriad of reasons. Zodiac is based on a true story; Robert Graysmith's book of the same name. To be able to take such a convoluted story and condense it into a movie is an achievement in itself. The acting is fantastic from all parties, with Jake Gyllenhaal playing the main role of both naive cartoonist and possessed civilian-detective to a fault. The script is good; it even manages to throw in a laugh here or there, and the cinematography, at some points, is excellent. Then there's the plot, which could easily be separated into two (and a half) parts. There's the beginning, while the murders are happening and the case it hot, which to me, this is easily the weaker portion of the film. The story at that point is slow and laborious, with too many people saying too many different things each with not enough airtime. The middle (the half part) is the three seconds the film takes to jump four years, during which it becomes a cold case. Then comes the end, which is entirely focused on Robert Graysmith's (Gyllenhaal) hunt for the Zodiac Killer. Not only then does Zodiac become suspenseful, but it almost reaches the Olympian heights of Fincher's other serial killer thriller, Se7en. In the end, the pros outweigh the cons, and leave you with a movie that is a bit too long and just maybe a bit too true... but nonetheless an entertaining and sometimes fascinating film.… Expand
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8
theseparatorJan 11, 2014
Now that the criminal mastermind flick has become a set type, widely overdone, this film tends to get easily shrugged off as yet another film about an ultra-intelligent serial killer who is always one step ahead of the cops, yes just likeNow that the criminal mastermind flick has become a set type, widely overdone, this film tends to get easily shrugged off as yet another film about an ultra-intelligent serial killer who is always one step ahead of the cops, yes just like Seven. Still though, this film is quite different. Zodiac has nowhere near as much internal darkness bursting from its seams.

But Zodiac is dark, just not Seven dark. Even though Zodiac is still a murder-thriller, it’s tone compared to Seven, is a like a lovely ray of sunshine. Being that this storyline is all loosely based on actual events, enacting the film out in the time period during which it occurred, the late 60’s-early 70’s gives the film a freshness, a nostalgia that seems to come with those decades.

The plot: In an age before mail bombs and anthrax scares, a killer toys with his pursuers by leaving complex clues just above their tracker’s radars, just out of reach of their capabilities, the chase then becomes perpetual, the madness wide spread- reporters, cops, victim’s families, all exposed to the madness. Society engulfing.

The lighting, the darkness, the shadows, the string dissonance, and the rain of course: all hugely important to Fincher’s work, perhaps his most important set of tricks, perhaps they could even be called Finchinian, or would it be Ficheresque? They pop up in all this films.

In the real tense bits we get close, claustrophobic shots, bare-bones dialogue, tense body

language, the potential victim’s fear seeping almost literally thought the screen, then BAM! Scene complete. No sentimentality.

None of Fincher’s tactics in creating suspense come across as clichés. These are textbook lessons in how to frame a successful suspense scene. In a thriller the actor is a part of the puzzle. Like a part of complex musical arrangement, all the players need to play their parts perfectly.

In thrillers the character is thrown into an extreme situation, an abyss created by the filmmaker, and Zodiac, unlike Panic Room, is a bottomless abyss. Great performances are made by the actor’s that find the rawest, ravenous ways to claw their ways out, even if the character fails.

During Zodiac, Jake Gyllehaal was still coming up in the ranks. He had not fully moved on to the badass action hero roles he plays today and in his underling position in the film, as a cartoonist constantly getting in the way of the “real” reporters, he becomes an interesting underdog of a main character, even though he’s not supposed to be the main attraction. A pleasure to watch, we know, and he knows, he is in a subservient role and he never breaks out of it .

Thrillers are the king of film as the symphony is king of music. Great symphonies are difficult to execute. So many elements, so many moving parts, everything must align perfectly, so when that moment of suspense is created, in both thriller and symphony, whether scene of movement, we stand in awe.

Zodiac has those moments.… Expand
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8
ydnar4Dec 20, 2014
Zodiac gives the public a lot of insight into a murderer that few people know any facts about. This movie manages to keep you interested regardless of whether or not the facts in it are true. Jake Gyllenhaal was the played the most notableZodiac gives the public a lot of insight into a murderer that few people know any facts about. This movie manages to keep you interested regardless of whether or not the facts in it are true. Jake Gyllenhaal was the played the most notable role in the film but I also enjoyed Mark Ruffalo as well. If you enjoy any sort of crime television show like CSI or Law and Order and you have nearly three hours to spare Zodiac is the movie for you.… Expand
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8
JohnKristoferDec 22, 2014
Incredible film! Amazingly directed,Fantastically Acted and a well written movie.Zodiac is another movie that surely need attention and enjoy watching it it's suspenseful and so confusing.
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8
DokaluApr 19, 2015
You don't watch Zodiac for a blood full-packaged experience, an orgy of action or an incredible adventure. No, this is a two and a half hours of a thrilling, incredibly well thought, acted and realistic police investigation about a killerYou don't watch Zodiac for a blood full-packaged experience, an orgy of action or an incredible adventure. No, this is a two and a half hours of a thrilling, incredibly well thought, acted and realistic police investigation about a killer named Zodiac in the west of the United States. It is incredibly well scripted. Jake Gyllenhaal is just one of the best actors of the world, and he proves that here. Mark Ruffalo And Robert Downey Jr. are also not far behind.
Everything in the film is perfect (for most people). The scenery, the acting, the directing, the script. Any crime films fan is going to love this very much. I didn't because it's not deniable that it sometimes just drags and get boring. It maybe could have been somewhat shorter. Excellent film, though.… Expand
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8
johnniMar 24, 2015
یه فیلم خوب جنایی بر اساس داستان واقعی که کارگردان سعی داره با طولانی کردنش، شما رو با احساس کلافگی و سردرگمی ناشی از معمای پرونده درگیر کنه.یه فیلم خوب جنایی بر اساس داستان واقعی که کارگردان سعی داره با طولانی کردنش، شما رو با احساس کلافگی و سردرگمی ناشی از معمای پرونده درگیر کنه.
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8
MovieManiac83Apr 24, 2015
Zodiac is a police procedural - a sort of souped-up, ultra-long episode of Law & Order. Based on the 1986 "true crime" book by Robert Graysmith, the movie looks back on one of the nation's most sinister unsolved crimes: the NorthernZodiac is a police procedural - a sort of souped-up, ultra-long episode of Law & Order. Based on the 1986 "true crime" book by Robert Graysmith, the movie looks back on one of the nation's most sinister unsolved crimes: the Northern California serial killings by the so-called "Zodiac killer." Although no arrest was ever made and the case now resides on the SFPD's inactive list, many journalists, cops, and investigators had their own "favorite" candidates for the identity of Zodiac. The movie follows the hunt by cartoonist-turned-writer Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal) as he seeks to unmask the villain.

To its credit, Zodiac is faithful to its source material. However, from a stylish director like David Fincher, the straightforward, no-frills approach is a little bit of a letdown. The digital photography is sharp, but there's nothing remarkable about it. There's no sense of the cinematic flair that has marked Fincher's previous efforts (even Alien 3, for all of its faults, was visually dynamic). One can count on one hand the number of flourishes apparent during the nearly three-hour running time.

Zodiac does not promise an impartial perspective of the search for the killer. Since it's based on Graysmith's book, it represents the author's viewpoint and the facts are slanted in favor of his preferred suspect. Whether Allen was the Zodiac killer or not is something we'll never know (he died more than a decade ago), but the film stacks the deck in his favor to avoid being completely open ended. Certainly, few who see this film will leave the theater frustrated by the real-world fact that the case remains unsolved.

That Zodiac draws conclusions isn't its problem (to the degree that it has a problem) - the structure is. While the killer is active and the police investigation is in full throttle, there's tension and momentum. It's a cat-and-mouse game. But when the focus shifts to Graysmith, the film shifts into neutral. While there's a certain amount of fascination associated with following an investigator tracking down disintegrating leads and digging through mounds of old records, it's not cinematic, and this at times makes the second half of Zodiac sluggish. Fincher's attempts to create tension (anonymous phone calls with heavy breathing, a creepy film buff who might be dangerous) inject suspense, but the intensity level is low. As thrillers go, most of Zodiac is more of a slow burn than an explosion - not necessarily a bad thing, but it requires patience. The running length is problematic. Fincher is so determined to meticulously recreate Graysmith's investigation that he risks losing his audience. There are numerous dramatically effective sequences during the second half, but the uneven pace results in stagnant periods.

So where is Fincher in all of this? Zodiac has a generic look and feel that is at variance with what we have come to expect from the director. Even Fincher's early music videos had more style than this. That's not to say that the film's direction is inept. Technically, it's fine and there are some nice helicopter shots (and a nifty time lapse sequence of a building being constructed), but there's nothing special about it. It's as if Fincher is saying, "Look! I can do regular stuff too!" There was more menace and atmosphere in Spike Lee's Summer of Sam, another film about a real-life serial killer.

The performances, like Fincher's direction, are competent. Jake Gyllenhaal is understated as usual, but that's appropriate for his low-key character. As Graysmith's obsession grows, Gyllenhaal comes alive. Mark Ruffalo is very good at being petulant but has trouble with sincerity. Robert Downey Jr. once again plays the flamboyant rogue with alcohol/substance abuse problems. Art imitating life, I suppose, but he can do this kind of role in his sleep. Arguably, the best performance belongs to John Carroll Lynch who captures Allen's creepiness without doing anything overt. Brian Cox steals a few scenes as Melvin Belli (he even gets to make a Star Trek reference).

Although the entirety of the movie spans 22 years, from 1969 until 1991, the majority of the scenes transpire in 1969 and the early '70s, and the film is at its most effective during those years. Zodiac becomes fragmented when it starts lurching ahead to highlight the "big moments" in Graysmith's investigation. It's difficult to be too harsh on Zodiac because the subject is interesting (such is often the case with serial killers) and it is fascinating to observe as the investigatory pieces fall into place. Ultimately, however, the length and uneven pacing are stumbling blocks with which an audience must contend. Patient viewers will be rewarded; others may wish for something with less subtlety and more verve.… Expand
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8
PanchogulSep 30, 2020
Apenas empecé a verla me atrapó, la historia me gustó mucho y quise al igual que los personajes, llegar a la raíz del problema, lamentablemente y pese al epílogo escrito, el segmento final de la película me pareció decepcionante, tantasApenas empecé a verla me atrapó, la historia me gustó mucho y quise al igual que los personajes, llegar a la raíz del problema, lamentablemente y pese al epílogo escrito, el segmento final de la película me pareció decepcionante, tantas pistas y el asesino siempre fue quien debía ser y aún así todo queda en la nada misma.

Destaco las actuaciones en donde Mark Ruffalo hace un grandioso trabajo, Robert Downey Jr también lo hace bastante bien pese a que desaparece de la historia a mitad de la película perdiendo todo el peso e importancia que tuvo en casi todo el rato que estuvo en pantalla, luego está Jake Gyllenhal que sin ser policía ni reportero se las arregló para finalmente llevar las riendas del asunto, lamentablemente su personaje finalmente nunca recibe el reconocimiento merecido pese a que su comportamiento es un poco molesto.… Expand
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8
timoneAug 7, 2019
(Sighs) I can only imagine how much I completely forgot about I actually watch the different version of The Zodiac and that was like when I was a teenager I watched the 2006 version of it but I have not watched the David Fincher version with(Sighs) I can only imagine how much I completely forgot about I actually watch the different version of The Zodiac and that was like when I was a teenager I watched the 2006 version of it but I have not watched the David Fincher version with Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey, Jr. Years later I watched it finally and it was actually quite good. It based on the true story America's most notorious serial killer. Zodiac tells the story of the manhunt for the Zodiac Killer, a serial murderer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area during the late 1960s and early 1970s, taunting police with letters, bloodstained clothing, and ciphers mailed to newspapers. The case remains one of the United States' most infamous unsolved crimes. Jake Gyllenhaal as Robert Graysmith who is the cartoonist is obsessed with investigating the murders and researching into the Zodiac killings. With a lot of help from his fellow friends, Dave Toschi and Paul Avery played by Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey, Jr. Okay so as it is the Zodiac investigation goes on throughout the entire movie and when Robert watches Dirty Harry for the first time, in his vision it's really based on the Zodiac killings loosely and then he meets Dave for the first time. Like I said in the couple of seconds the Zodiac investigation goes on throughout and it's gonna take days and months and, hell, even years. With all that said and out of the way, I will say for one thing that I am going to tell you about. I think the ending is crap! There are some scenes nearly at the end is that Robert continues his investigation and in the next later and after that it just ends abruptly with some disclaimers about how it ends. I don't know if you notices this but it looks like this movie had no ending. Well, I know it's based on a true crime and it is based on the 1986 non-fiction book of the same name by Robert Graysmith played by Jake Gyllenhaal in the film. I just help the fact that it ends so abruptly. So yeah, the downside is the ending. Despite this, I still think this is a good movie. I mean, not perfect by any means but it is a pretty good crime drama that is so true. If you David Fincher's directing style you'll like this. It had a memorable cast that you'll recognise and it had good writing, solid directing, stellar acting and historical authenticity. You know the rest. Give it a watch and see if it'll grip you and you'll know the story is true.… Expand
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