Fincher's killer punch

Despite his pedigree in thrillers (Se7en, Panic Room), Zodiac, David Fincher’s look at one of California’s most notorious serial killers isn’t exactly a thriller. Sure, there are some thrilling moments, but the film isn’t really about them. In fact, this is a relatively subdued effort, more police procedural and psychological drama than fast-moving thriller. Not that that’s a bad thing – just different… and a little unexpected.

The film looks at the still-unsolved Zodiac murders that occurred in the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It’s based on the books by Robert Graysmith, who’s played in the film by Jake Gyllenhaal. But this is a lot closer to say The Pledge than it is to Se7en.

The film essentially follows the fortunes of four men – Graysmith, journalist Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr), and police officers Dave Toschi (Mark Ruffalo) and Bill Armstrong (Anthony Edwards) – who in various ways become entwined in the case. Each has his own way of dealing with the mystery. Some are broken by it, some become resigned to it and one (Graysmith) becomes obsessed with it. The film charts each man’s journey through the case.

While the crimes themselves remain unsolved (and are the subject of almost as many theories as the Jack the Ripper mystery), Fincher posits what I presume is also Graysmith’s theory about the identity of the killer. This journey through the intricacies of the case is gripping – if you’re prepared to go with it.

At over 2 ½ hours, it is a bit of an endurance test; but a rewarding one if you give yourself over to it. The end result is that this is likely to appeal to those with an interest in the psychology of the events, not a roller coaster ride filled with gruesome moments. James Vanderbilt’s screenplay develops the drama in layers, adding more and more complexity as the plot develops. He also deftly throws some humour into the dialogue to lighten the mood a little.

The film, in true Fincher fashion, is visually arresting at times. One stunning sequence (I’m actually still trying to work out how it was done, other than that it involved lots of CGI) chronicles in a few moments the construction of the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco. There’s also a stunning cab ride through city streets, and an incredibly tense opening sequence.

Jake Gyllenhaal is clearly the focus of the film, taking most of the screen time, particularly towards the end, and delivers superbly. His foil is Ruffalo as the no-nonsense cop; while Downey and Edwards are basically supporting players. Philip Baker Hall, who’s always fantastic, is again excellent in a small role as a document examiner; as is Chloe Sevigny as Graysmith’s wife, and Brian Cox as celebrity lawyer Melvin Belli.

Zodiac marks a change of pace for Fincher. This is the kind of film that sneaks up on you, but ultimately knocks your socks off with its brilliance. It is a hard slog, but one worth taking with Fincher and his excellent cast.

David Edwards

To view the trailer for Zodiac, click the play button below:

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Zodiac

Our rating:

Director: David Fincher
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr, Anthony Edwards, Chloe Sevigny, John Carroll Lynch and Brian Cox
Release: 17 May 2007
Rated: MA 15+

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