Quickie Review: Zodiac

Rating: 8/10 (21 January 2016)

I can understand why Zodiac could be frustrating to some viewers, as it doesn't really follow the usual structure of murder mystery cop thrillers, and it's pretty different from Fincher's previous thrillers. But this is the film that I believe is the director's best work so far.
The film has a kind of creepy and unsettling atmosphere made all the more eerie by the fact that knowing what you're seeing actually happened. There is a dark and moody vibe throughout. The opening murders were fascinatingly recreated and it was very interesting watching the police work that went on throughout the film. Sidney Lumet would be proud.
The actors shine: Jake Gyllenhaal as the inquisitive cartoonish, Robert Downey Jr. before he became Tony Stark, and Mark Ruffalo and Philip Baker Hall give good turns also.
I thought the digital cinematography was ugly at times, especially in the opening scenes, though I got used to it eventually. I'm a great believer in period movies being shot on films, otherwise it usually looks really weird and documentary-like (see Public Enemies).
It must be tricky making films that are based on true stories. You have to stick close to what happened in real life whilst making your movie entertaining for the viewer. Fincher managed to do this, I believe. A lot of research has clearly gone into this, and the filmmakers clearly tell you who they believe the Zodiac killer was whilst leaving the question open. The lengthy runtime allows for periods of the film to be dedicated to smaller, quieter moments which are often used to build atmosphere or to showcase police work. Overall this was a thoroughly satisfying thriller.
Best Scene: "This is the Zodiac speaking"