" What follows is based on actual case files."

Rating: 7/10 (16 October 2010)

Zodiac.." What follows is based on actual case files."
The year 1969. Well, it's a crime movie with David Fincher in the director's chair. Now, just for the record we've seen 'Seven' and 'Fight Club' and it is really his style of direction that is 'intrigue' in nature. Same goes for this movie. Zodiac is a real big puzzle and to understand it, attention has to be given to all the details of characters, incidents, dates, written letters and ciphers to name a few.
The movie is an adaptation of a book by Robert Graysmith (The character is played by Jake Gyllenhaal). The direction is top-notch so is the screenplay by James Vanderbilt and the Editing by Angus Wall.
In terms of acting Gyllenhaal who plays a cartoonist but due to his curios nature (read the character), it takes him to extreme highs towards solving the case, and he does a fine job. He fits the bill perfectly. Robert Downey Jr. has a small part to play but does the job good. The surprise for me came in the form of Mark Ruffalo who plays the role of Inspector Dave Toschi. His angst, nature, curiosity all is reflected continuously. His body language, wee-bit of arrogance all other qualities which according to me he has grasped for the sake of the character has to be applauded. The rest of the cast supports the flow of the movie well.
The length of the movie is questionable. For the viewer it gets draggy at some point (From my own experience).
Special mention for the Production design and of course the cinematography. It really gives the feel of the 70's. I have seen the Dirty Harry series so I can tell that!!!
In a Nutshell:
a) Highlights: Great crime story, fine direction, acting is enjoyable.
b) Flaws: The length of the movie, Too many things to digest in one go.
c) USP : The mystery quotient remains high till the end. My rating 75%