Zodiac is a true suspense film directed by master film maker David Fincher

Rating: 10/10 (7 January 2009)

American film maker David Fincher has directed "Zodiac" with his usual style which consists of keeping the viewers guessed about the fate of the film that they are watching.One sure thing that can be said about "Zodiac" is that it is not so loud as other films directed by David Fincher such as "Fight Club" and "Seven".Zodiac is a brilliant suspense film which retains viewers' attention as it concentrates on the roles played by all sides who are involved in the nabbing of a serial killer who terrorized USA in 1960s.This is the primary reason why journalists,police and suspects receive equal and undivided attention from the director. Zodiac scores heavily due to the acting prowess of its leading players. Jake Gyllenhaal is absolutely charming as cartoonist Robert Graysmith who decides to track down the elusive serial killer using his own ingenuous methods.Watching him play this role,one might wonder why a simple minded cartoonist is interested in unraveling the truth behind some of the most obscure killings in the state of California. Mark Ruffalo appears nice too as Inspector David Toschi who puts all his energy to bring the serial killer to justice but in vain.One can sympathize with the character of a determined police officer played by Mark Ruffalo as he gets frustrated due to the fact that many years of his hard work have resulted in nothing but humiliation and hopelessness as the serial killer has not been caught by the police.Robert Downey Jr does ample justice to his role of a boring crime journalist Paul Avery who loses all interest in the case.As far as feminine presence is concerned,kudos to Chloë Sevigny for her role as Robert Graysmith's girl friend and life partner Melanie. She plays a vital role in his life by looking after his children and also by being besides him whenever he his in trouble.Zodiac is a film for those who are prepared to understand why senseless killings are perpetrated by people who seem to have lost their mental balance.