David Fincher's best film to date, a masterpiece.

Rating: Null/10 (29 January 2009)

I was hyped for this film from the get-go. After too many Fincher-less years finally we were gonna get a new film from him. Not only that but a two and a half hour long film about the Zodiac killer! HELL YES! Well, opening day I walked in, sat down and for the next few hours I was mesmerized. The opening murder sent a chill down my spine and after that I was hooked. The cast is phenomenal, with Robert Downey JR. back in shape giving a performance that's both comic and tragic. Jake Gyllenhaal was great but extra special props go to Mark Ruffalo for his amazing portrayal of inspector Dave Toschi.
Yes, I have seen Fight Club at least ten times and I'm a fan. Have been for years. Zodiac is simply the better film. It has a greater plot, better cast and it's easier to re-watch because every time you notice something new. I must've watched it 20 times, including the three times I saw it at the theater. The fact that it was snubbed by the academy is a down-right shame. A sin, in fact. One thing I noticed while watching this film is that it has the characteristics of a classic thriller, that sense of storytelling over flashy effects and the atmosphere all added up to a feeling that you normally get watching a great 1960's thriller. Some even brought me back to the black and white era, especially the scenes at the Chronicle. They don't make 'em like this anymore? Apparently they do.
This is a film that needs to be seen more than once. Take for instance, the scene at the beginning where the couple is attacked on the 4th of July, watching it again makes you appreciate what Fincher accomplished with this scene alone. Hurdy Gurdy Man comes on the radio and they don't know it, but before that song is over one of them will be dead and the other severely injured, his life changed forever.
This is one the three best films of 2007, the other of course being No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood. I can't make up between this one and There Will Be Blood but it's better than No Country. Not by a lot mind you!
When all is said and done, do NOT miss this film. Rent it, buy it, love it or hate it but see it at least once. Chances are you won't regret it.