Murder & Investigation

Rating: 10/10 (2 August 2007)

This movie is a focused, realistic and thoughtful look at a true investigation developing. ZODIAC is a slow-burn, like a wave it leaps up and down into thrilling moments and slow, down-paced sequences focusing on the main character's personal issues. Gyllenhaal's character is thoughtful and greatly performed as his geekish behavior and dedication to the murder-case is the movie's cornerstone, but throughout we also get a close look at Ruffalo's Steve McQueen-ish detective and Downey Jr.'s burned out soul, all three having a heavy influence on the movie's dark character. And although most of the movie's lead on by rumors and talks around the killer, it is the moments were "Zodiac" is portrayed that is the most scary and exciting, whether its the brutal stabbings of a loving couple at the beach or Gyllenhaal discovering he is in a basement-trap. ZODIAC portraits its tide brilliantly and is a must-see as it reflects a true investigation going from a single murder to a burned out case nobody truly bothers about.