Excellent for Criminology purposes. As a movie it's almost perfect.

Rating: 9/10 (2 June 2007)

For those who can't accept it; this isn't David Fincher's best but still it's a class act addition to his rich filmography as director.
As a fan of the Zodiac serial killer case , I am truly pleased by the movie overall. The events are treated in a way that people who study or simply enjoy Criminology or serial killers will be totally attached to the scenes and plot. There's room for suspense, claustrophoby, tension, and even good gore.
Some may say that it is a boring movie but the slow pace inserted after the first half of the movie is just to make feel the audience what investigators and media overall felt : and that is the absence of the Zodiac. So with a series of scenes that didn't reach somewhere relevant we know that he may appear at any moment and there's a pleasant explanation for that towards the ending.
The investigations, legal facts and proceedings are highly interest and will keep you hooked in. Excellent atmosphere in every scene and David Fincher is an expert in keeping attention at inserting minimal details that are important for the situation, historical moment, etc. For example, in the late 60's people could smoke in certain areas of airplanes.
The acting is exceptional. Great performances by Gyllenhall and Downey Jr. Specially. Mark Ruffalo is an excellent actor and once again demonstrates his skills and that he deserves more important roles like this.
The music is simply amazing. Every "oldie" song fits perfect in every scene. It set the atmosphere all the way. Excellent choises.
The direction is masterful for being a movie that does not recquires dynamic or detailed cinematography or art direction. Still, Fincher manages to create an impressive visual looking movie that stands out of being called just a cop flick or something like that.
I recommend this one for lovers of Criminology, for those who like the Zodiac case, or just for people who like good cinema.