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Written by Rueben Gonzales
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Wednesday, 28 February 2007 11:00 PM |
David Fincher brings forth an enigma in the form of random murders from 1960 to 1970 in San Francisco in the startling film Zodiac. Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo round out a brilliant cast that enhances Zodiac into a smart, witty-yet-suspenseful thriller that will keep your body tense and your mind wondering “Who the hell did it?” Based on actual events, Zodiac relives the murders in California that sent panic through the cities and publications of San Francisco, Benicia, Vallejo and Lake Berryessa. The zodiac serial killer sent letters and cryptograms to major newspapers and police stations demanding media attention or face deadly consequences. With such a threat, the San Francisco Chronicle and other publications gave in to Zodiac’s demands, but no immediate deaths followed. With no rhyme or reason to the homicides, save theories that the killer knew the victims, only five of the more than 30 murders claimed by the zodiac killer were confirmed. The murderer’s identity is unknown to this day. The movie guides the viewer through the investigation with Jake Gyllenhaal’s character, Chronicle cartoonist Robert Graysmith, as the obsessed-yet-committed Eagle Scout trying to discover the identity of the killer. Even after authorities put the investigation on the back burner, Graysmith’s obsession grows deeper at the expense of his side-story love interest played by indie-favorite Chloe Sevigny. Gyllenhaal soon seeks the aid of David Toschi, a San Francisco police inspector played by Mark Ruffalo, in the hopes of obtaining information that would bring him closer to the killer’s identity. Also at the aid of Gyllenhaal is standout actor Robert Downey Jr., whose performance alone makes the movie worth $8, a bucket of popcorn, a hot dog and a large drink. His left-wing, neckerchief-wearing character goes from a Dorian Gray-type news reporter to something a little closer to home, as he ages and lets his vices get the best of him. His wit and perception of the killer’s doings help Gyllenhaal in his search and help remind us all why it is we like to keep Downey around. From the water fountains to the clothing, haircuts and sets, Zodiac keeps you in line with the frequent time changes that occur during the 10-year investigation. This movie condenses the time, energy and emotion of all the characters in two and a half hours of intensity and dramatic perfection. Zodiac is top-shelf as murder thriller of the year. Zodiac Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr. Director: David Fincher Rating: R Ranking: 4 stars on a 1-5 scale
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Last Updated ( Monday, 31 August 2009 02:51 PM )
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