Zodiac (2007)
Strong Violence
| Director: | David Fincher |
| Actors: | Robert Downey Jr., Chloe Sevigny, Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo |
It is the ultimate cold case. The rampage of a madman who has never been caught; the elusive cipher slayer who gripped an entire nation in fear. He publicly claimed 13 victims, Police pinned him with seven, five dead. The true body count may never be known. One thing is certain: That count includes the living. Based on the true story of a serial killer who terrified the San Francisco Bay Area and taunted authorities in four jurisdictions with his ciphers and letters for decades, Zodiac is a thriller from David Fincher, director of se7en and Fight Club. Hunting down the hunter would become an obsession for four men, an obsession that would turn them into ghosts of their former selves, their lives built and destroyed by the killers endless trail of clues. Of the four, Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal) was the wild card. A shy editorial cartoonist, Graysmith didnt have the cache and expertise of his seasoned and cynical colleague Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr.), the San Francisco Chronicles star crime reporter. He didnt have Averys connections with San Francisco Police Departments celebrated and ambitious Homicide Inspector David Toschi (Mark Ruffalo) and his low-key, meticulous partner Inspector William Armstrong (Anthony Edwards). What he did have was a crucial insight no one anticipated. Based on the book by the man who lived it (Robert Graysmith) Zodiac is a critically acclaimed thriller that will keep you guessing long after the credits have rolled.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 151mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (119)
119 Member
Reviews
JeffK
says
‘Zodiac’, while based on a true story, is a rambling, overlong movie. The performances are OK but no one is outstanding nor is the directing. The script is problematic as it tries to incorporate too much detail from then original story. Laudable? yes, but dramatically unsatisfying.
D.M
says
After the film, I watched the feature included on the disk. The filmmakers had a vision by which to carefully document the case of the Zodiac killer via this dramatised biopic. It feels kind of disconnected, there are lots of scenes with many actors all in their respective roles as journalists, famous people of note, law enforcement and all of the events were covered as well as it could be, I think, in this fairly long film.
They also were able to recreate the 70s very well and it's interesting to see what law enforcement capabilities were like back then, without the benefit of our digital age. They had rudiments of forensics compared to now, a lot of politicking, and a kind of naivety. The role of Graysmith attempts to tie the other events together. Most chilling scene: the man they interviewed as the Zodiac mocking his interviewers. It's interesting for those interested in psychology.
Jennifer LeC
says
Fabulous movie. You really need to watch it a few times if you get interrupted as I was.
It was fast paced, very clever and I had not heard abut this true life story before.
The cipher slayer who claimed he had killed 13 but could be more.
This movie with Robert Downey Jnr Chloe Sevigny and Jake Gillenhaal will glue you to your seat but be prepared and take drinks snacks into your louge room with you as you will hate to "pause".
Definately a great movie!!! A four if not more!!
ls
says
gripping and thrilling mystery which continues mysterious right to the end.
dyson
says
only passable
Zane
says
Most boring movie ever!!
Ana
says
Long and drawn out. Lost interest midway. It was just ok.
mintiegirl
says
Actually a long film but was engrossing and maintained interest. Slick performances all round, without having to go into too much blood and guts.
Poiter
says
Very interesting. Horrible to think it was a true story though. I don't want to give too much away but the ending left me with a feeling that you don't get from many movies.
Bruce
says
Fairly run of the mill police investigation drama, made slightly more interesting because it actually happened.
Leila
says
Great story very entertaining
alistair c
says
Agree with most of reviewers on this one. Good story and acting but you need subtitles to translate the mumbling conversation. Also too long, it does drag. But worth watching just for the story and the insight into the jurisdictional mess that is US crime fighting.
R.McEvoy
says
great movie great story great acting they mumble in parts is the down side of the movie. I love killer movies that are true if you like this you will love changling. This a great thriller up there with SE7EN.
Trudy.
says
Loved it, I felt very invloved as you move thru the time line. Ending OH MY GOD!!
Ben H
says
Fascinating, intriguing, disturbing, an excellent crime story.
lizjh
says
couldn't get into it, everyone mumbled, and whilst I was in awe of the story, I think that they could have made a better job of the movie
Timothy
says
Boring unimaginative script and I wonder why these two better actors bothered. Sound was very poor and that was on top of the mumbling accents.
Ivan
says
Very well directed, actors and all. Some scenes had some random gore in them, and the time frame was just blown out of proportion, but it was nonetheless a good film.
G P.
says
interesting first hour and half then drags like a bunch of trannies at mardi gras, ruining the film...
Ashley R.
says
There have been at least three Zodiac movies made over the last 10 years but in my opinion this is the only one worth watching. It is backed up by the real people who the movie is based on, so it tries very hard to stick to the facts.
Some people have commented that they would have liked to see more of the killer's personal life etc... but that would be impossible to do because the killer was never caught, that is the point of the movie and I'm surprised people have missed that. It is a murder mystery with no answer, which makes it a unique movie.
Karen
says
Movie dragged on a bit, it was ok.
Natasha
says
was a really interesting movie, a littkle bit slow but still just enough mystery to keep you occupied.
Hayley
says
Good movie. Quite enjoyed this one.
Craig. C
says
I have not "loved" a film for quite a few years. Zodiac changed that for me. Although David Fincher is one of my favourite directors, this film slipped entirely under my radar, and I saw it at random, not knowing the director or stars.
This is a long film, but finishes all too soon, without realising that much time has passed. The performances are superlative, the story true, and riveting to the last frame. Tension is kept boiling during the entire manhunt. Only once does Fincher revert to his digital trickery, but thankfully only for a few seconds.
The finale may leave you unfulfilled, but being based on a true story, Fincher cannot always deliver a Hollywood ending.
If you enjoyed "All The President's Men" or "To Kill a Mockingbird", this film will keep you fascinated over repeated viewings.
A MUST-SEE for all lovers of thrillers and mysteries. I cannot rate this film highly enough. 5 Stars!!!
Surianingsih
says
the movie story is complicated just like the story and can't figure out or catch the killer at the end. Overall by watching once hardly find out who is the real killer -only the killing scene shows very clear in this movie.
Earth.W
says
Not overly great. Was okay but that's all.
Kathryn
says
Excellent film. Not for you if you're looking to see all the gory details of the Zodiac murders or want to see things from the POV of the Zodiac killer but an excellent look at the two detectives and the two reporters who were an integral part of the story. A superb look at obsession and how some people can let things go but others let them consume them to the detriment of everything else.
Sandra B.
says
Super movie. My son loved it and he knew nothing of the real zodiac murders. Movie is quite long and in places takes a bit of concentration but is one that is absolutely worth a look. Good thinking movie for a change rather than total blood and gore.
Cynthia
says
reasonably good.Not as good as the book.
Nicole
says
great very intrigueing
Clare
says
Excellent film
Ross L.
says
Fantastic, gripping and suspenseful movie that all crime and thriller fans will love.
Erin S.
says
Great movie with great acting. It was a bit long and in the end you don't find out who dunnit. I guess it makes you feel a bit like how the investigators must have felt when they got not closure, even after all these years they are still no closer to solving the case.
Glen F.
says
?ZODIAC? There are about 5 movies about the Zodiac Killer. This one is the only one I?ve seen. Very long for what it offers, slow in spots. If you want an adrenaline rushing thriller suspense movie, then keep moving; this one?s not for you. It show you that the coppers
Julia B.
says
Wow! Absolutely brilliant movie. A great script and a fantastic cast. Definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat
Vicky O.
says
Much better then I expected. Great for anyone who loves to be creaped out.
Matthew B.
says
Intriguing, well acted drama that does indeed keep you guessing, especially if you don't pay attention. Very good movie though!
John N.
says
Being the true story of the hunt for a serial killer, the movie opens with the murder of two young couples, with the killer taking his time to deliver the final shots. These sequences are far more disturbing than the short, sharp killings in similar movies. The SFPD investigate and collect clues, and the San Francisco Chronicle not only covers the case but becomes directly involved in having to print messages from the killer. While the killer is active and the investigation is in full swing, tension is maintained. But as the years go by, and there are no more murders, and not enough evidence collected to arrest and charge anyone, the police department gives up and the paper gives up. The paper's cartoonist is the only man left standing, and he can only point the finger. After two-and-a-half hours you wonder whether the journey was worth it.
Andy A.
says
Louise H.
says
Well made and interesting film with good acting from Downey, Gyllenhal & Ruffalo.
Siobhan W.
says
a great suspensful film - crime drama at its best - Downey-Jnr brilliant but couldn't get past the hairstyle & fashion of the time!
Peter G.
says
Its not a bad movie. Heaps of mumbling so you'll have to turn it up. It could have been resolved much quicker also. However if there's nothing else on, its worth a watch.
Jennie F.
says
kept my interest 'till the end. some characters some what 2 dimensional but this was appropriate given the semi doco approach taken by the makers.
Nigel W.
says
Interesting rather than riveting 'on the trail of a serial killer' flick. Based on a true story the focus is more upon effect this killer had on the lives of those within the police force and media covering the story.
Michele K.
says
not much to say about this one ...boring
willow
says
Good film, very interesting, The Zodiac murders are one of the great unsolved murder mysteries, like Jack the Ripper. I didnt know a lot about the murders and found the movie very informative despite the desire to solve them through unproven evidence. The film stars three of my favourite actors, Robert Downey, Mark Ruffalo and Jake Gyllenhaal, so i certainly enjoyed watching them. Well done and well executed but ultimately unsatisfying due to the ambiguous nature of the crimes and the doubt over the perpetrator.
Danielle F.
says
Worth watching, a little long.
Jason V.
says
Judith B.
says
Sheila B.
says
this is worth a watch quite interesting though I think they dragged it on just a bit too long probably could have told the story in about 2 hours
Tracy Y.
says
A worthwhile surprise. Great attention to detail.
Rahul D.
says
I've watched this movie twice and I really liked it..
Barbara S.
says
Simone S.
says
Fascinating
Renae J.
says
great movie,keeps you guessing till the end.
Michael C.
says
Hayley Y.
says
great movie definately one for the collection.
Catherine J.
says
We though it was great
Sally M.
says
Grant D.
says
A long drawn out movie. The only good thing about this movie is that it highlights that the police give up too easily on bringing criminals to justice.
Vicki S.
says
Vicki S.
says
Katie W.
says
Scary to think this was based on a true story and a real person. It's a different sort of film because the case is still unsolved so the movie has no definitive answer to the who dunnit question. However the performances were brilliant, the actors were well cast (even Downey Jr). Although it was a long movie the intrigue was there to keep me interested.
Michael O.
says
Frances A.
says
Great.
Bev M.
says
Katrina A.
says
This movie was a bit slow for my liking, is's not a movie i would watch again. But that is just my opinion.
Gina T.
says
William M.
says
Glen N.
says
I was really looking forward to this movie, and for the most part wasn't disappointed. Although it begins well, the movie is just a fraction too long and just seems to meander through a long middle section. Worth a watch though.
Ax
says
Great movie. Really enjoyed it. One of the first movies in a while that really had me on edge and completely invested in the story.
Martina B.
says
very well done makes you think to work out how the story is going to go
Andy O.
says
Extremely tedious, slow like a padded-out telemovie. Could only stand an hour before developing a critical need to go and sort the sock drawer.
Melinda H.
says
Excellent film, although the pace and style won't please everyone. The violence is disturbing although kept to a minimum. All the cast are superb - particularly Robert Downey as the flamboyant reporter and Jake Gyllenhaal as the delightfully naive cartoonist who becomes obsessed with finding out the identity of the killer. The ending may frustrate but the unanswered questions leave a lot to ponder.
Linda Y.
says
Interesting
Gerry V.
says
A really interesting movie with good acting performances. This movie really keeps your attention all the way!
Bernadette B.
says
This is a really over-hyped movie. Movies based on real events where people know the ending need to be full of drama to maintain people's interest but this one is disjointed and seems to have selected the most boring elements of the investigation and events to portray. Mostly the acting isn't too bad although the cartoonist character is utterly unbelievable but I don't know if that's due to poor writing or bad acting on Gyllenhaal's part. Long before the end of the 2 hours and 40 minutes it takes to wade through this film I was hoping the Zodiac killer would go on a mass murder spree and get rid of all the characters so the movie would finally end.
Scott P.
says
Good Movie, good acting but a bit slow at times.
Melissa L.
says
Was a cool movie as i really enjoy movies either based on a true story or in this case based on true crime reports. It was a little long though, with not much happening at some stages.
Katrina B.
says
Liz A.
says
Leslie M.
says
a movie i found to be a bit borish.it had interesting parts then would fade out and then come back then fade out again.
Vicky
says
Neil G.
says
this was brillant scared my wife mind you, the murder scenes were grisley but it was brillant, great to see robert downey jr back to his old self
Janet W.
says
Some very blood thirsty scenes, which make it all the more scary seeing they actually happened.
Robert Downey Jr's performance was as good as ever - a fine actor.
However, it did drag on too long and the killer was never revealed. Once again a scary thing knowing that he was never caught so got away with his horrific crimes. I couldn't believe the police couldn't catch him. I assume it must have been a high profile case in the U.S. He could still be alive for all we know.
Felicity C.
says
Corinne M.
says
Excellent. Scared me more than I would like in some parts. Highly recommended.
Rob C.
says
Great Crime thriller based on a true story..depicting the inner workings of several police investigations into a serial killer and his identity.
Lesleigh C.
says
My husbandthought it was different.
Adam G.
says
watchable but too long and unreasolved
Kylie W.
says
Not really a thriller. More a drama about the original events.
Debbie F.
says
Andrew S.
says
The movie sits more as a mystery, drama than as a thriller or horror. Not unlike CSI. The story is focused on the individuals involved in the investigation to identify the identity of the Zodiac killer. The Director has deliberately avoided focusing on or glorifying the killer which I found to be refreshing and interesting.
It is interesting to ponder how the actions of one psychotic (the Zodiac) can result in the deterioration and destruction of so many lives.
Okto F.
says
Good acting cast. An ok story line a bit too long.
James F.
says
Very disappointing film. When compared with the directors previous films like Se7en and The Game this is very slow and ponderous, and visually impressive, never catches you, just keeps you wondering when will it ever end. Watchable but definately no masterpiece.
Deborah H.
says
Gripping crime mystery -- and it's all based on true events!
John F.
says
I really enjoyed this one.
Andrew H.
says
Bit long but good film to watch - solid all-round performances and an interesting story.
Colin Y.
says
I didn't know anything about the Zodiac serial killer, so found this movie interesting. It's a bit too long and it doesn't have a Hollywood ending, so you could feel a little unsatisfied.
ka-tet
says
To be fair gave it three stars not two, can't expect a comprehensive telling of a story and then complain it's too long. Excellently preformed by the entire cast, Kevin Spacey virtually unrecognisable and Gyllenhaal appropriately given plenty of scope to appear obsessed and quirky.
Michael G.
says
RoyF
says
Tthis film was just great, the story rocks and the acting was awesome and brilliant, and i love the facts behend the zodiac killer its just awsome but i knew i would love this movie.
Marg L.
says
Very interesting movie based on a real life crime that spanned many years. As in very real life- a lot of crimes go unsolved for years, this movie portrayes the altimate ' cold case '.
Beth C.
says
A little long for me, dragged out a bit too much, but still worth watching.
Patrick P.
says
A modern masterpiece!
Kylie W.
says
it was interesting since it was based on a real story but it did drag on a fair bit
Cherilynn N.
says
Compelling - I was just as frustrated at the end as I think those investigating these murders would have been at the time - Great
John M.
says
Erica D.
says
Focuses more on the people involved rather than the murders.
Kristin F.
says
This movie kept me on the edge of my seat for its duration. Each decade in which it was set was well depicted. Strong and believable performances by each member of its talented cast. while some scenes were somewhat gruesome as you would expect, they were not overdone. Well worth watching.
Kylie E.
says
Very drawn out and slow
Lisa B.
says
great movie good thriller although could be a bit shorter
Lisa B.
says
Great thriller enjoyed it but it does go for a bit too long
Kevin D.
says
Slow... hardly worth the effort
Jason M.
says
Pam H.
says
Good viewing all the way through.
Kim J.
says
Extremely well made and acted. Suspenseful since I didn't know the real life story. However the lack of payoff at end is rather anti-climactic.
Raymond M.
says
What a brilliant movie. One I would watch over and over again. Will have to purchase this one for my collection. Don't miss watching this one.
Georgina F.
says
I found this movie quite long and a bit boring. I would like to have seen more on the Zodiac killer's life and how he came to be a killer but it seemed to focused on the people trying to bring him to justice. Not enough action for me. If its a good thriller with lots of action you are after I wouldnt recommend this film.