Zodiac details
| Formats: | 15 DVD, Blu-ray |
|---|---|
| Starring: | Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr, Chloe Sevigny, Anthony Edwards, Gary Oldman, Mark Ruffalo, Ione Skye, Clea Duvall, Brian Cox, Elias Koteas, John Carroll Lynch, Dermot Mulroney, Donal Logue, Pell James, Charles Fleischer, Jimmi Simpson |
| Director: | David Fincher |
| Genres: | Action/Adventure - Historical, Drama - General, Biography, Thriller |
| Studio: | WARNER BROS |
| Collections: | Robert Downey Jr., Super Cool Films, Top 400 All-Time Rentals |
| Name | Discs | |
|---|---|---|
Zodiac |
15 Feature |
DVD Information
| Run time: | 2 hours 38 minutes |
|---|---|
| Rental release: | 17 Sep 2007 |
| Main languages: | English |
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LOVEFiLM Review
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By Tom Charity from LOVEFiLMJake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr. become embroiled in the hunt for the Zodiac Killer.
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Most helpful review
Zodiac
By Latka (2 reviews) from Swansea , 07 Jun 2007[Highly rated reviewer]
David Fincher retreads the serial killer genre with his latest offering Zodiac. Following the true-life case of the killings in the San Francisco area in the late 60's and 70's, Zodiac is not your usual true crime film.
Jake Gyllenhaal plays Robert Graysmith, a cartoonist at the San Francisco Chronicle, who becomes obsessed with discovering the identity of the killer who has labelled themself 'ZODIAC'. When the killer begins sending letters to the newspaper, Graysmith takes an active interest in the case. But this is not just Graysmith's story, it is also the story of crime reporter Paul Avery (portrayed superbly by Robert Downey Jr) and lead police officer David Toschi (Mark Ruffalo in his best performance to date). You get to see how the crimes affect the three and how their lives were changed because of the killings and subsequent hunt for the killer.
The supporting cast is a who's who of acting pedigree, from Brian Cox's lawyer to Philip Baker Hall as a document's expert.
Many true crime films rely on heavy violence to tell the story, Zodiac does not. Whilst you see some of the murders, they are never portrayed in a gratuitous or exploitative way. The focus on the film being on the obsession of the main characters rather than the sensationalism of the crimes.
Even though the film has a running time of 158 minutes, the pacing of the film means that you never get bored. It is so tightly edited that not a moment of screen time is wasted. Added to that, you have a constant undercurrent of suspense that puts many modern horror films to shame. There are some scary moments, and none more than the fact that this is a true story.
Fincher is a master of visual style and this film is no different. The film looks like a seventies film (even down to classic 70's Warner and Paramount logos at the start).
The film also stays true to the source material, Graysmith's book 'Zodiac', and does not veer off into any moments of dramatic license. It is fact based, and because of this engages the audience more.
This is my film of the year so far. It is thought provoking and so well made it should be a blue print for how true crime films should be made. Great performances by all involved and the attention to detail is amazing (even down to radio adverts for the Rolling Stones' Altamont gig).
The film is up there with the best of true crime films, such as The Boston Strangler and To Catch A Killer. This is David Fincher, and his cast, on top form.- Was this review helpful to you?
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All reviews
(647)Well worth watching - captivating
By davidc475 (23 reviews) , 08 Mar 2012[Highly rated reviewer]
Very captivating, never a dull moment from start to finish. I enjoyed watching this - especially interesting that it is based on a true story.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Great film
By a customer , 04 Mar 2012Really enjoyed this, kept me interested for the duration. Good acting all round. It was well worth the watch. Highly recommended.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Fantastic, will they catch him thriller!
By Aliw25 (1 review) , 03 Mar 2012A classic crime thriller
This film is a superb crime story. Based on a true story It takes you through the investigation and provides a rich account of the trials and difficulties in trying to capture the zodiac serial killer. It has a great emotional depth brought to the forefront by it's illustration of how the case envelopes the lives of those involved. It has to be my favourite performance by Jake Gyllenhaal as the case obsessed Robert Graysmith. In addition Robert Downey Jr's portrayal as the self destructive Paul Avery is another gem in a very well chosen cast. It has everything, depth, twists, suspense and a thought provoking ending. Those reviewers that suggest it is too long or that lacks a decent ending don't appreciate good drama and the fact that it is based on a true story. Loved it!- Was this review helpful to you?
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Strange but interesting.
By Hasman (6 reviews) , 02 Mar 2012A very Strange but extremely interesting film. It was slow at times with a rather unexpected twist at the end.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Too long
By meganswelshdad (5 reviews) from North east UK , 19 Feb 2012This film is too long, I like a film that makes me think but I lost intirest two thirds of the way through. There is too much detail and I didn't empathise with any of the characters- Was this review helpful to you?
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