excellent

Rating: 9/10 (4 March 2007)

I'd read Graysmith's book a couple of times and therefore knew quite a bit about the investigation. ZODIAC didn't take any liberties with the story, as far I could tell. In fact, it went to great lengths to be realistic, to the point where the murders depicted in the movie were all filmed at the locations of the real murders---the murder at the lake was even filmed on the exact same day of the year. I believe the two surviving victims were consultants for the movie.
Robert Downey, Jr. steals the movie and his take as reporter Paul Avery descending into alcoholism and drug use might have been too close to reality for Downey. It is way too early but Downey should be remembered when it comes time to bounce around actors worthy of Oscar consideration next year, he's that good in this movie.