The Film

The serial killer genre is arguably one of the most difficult in filmmaking. So many efforts have been churned out that the clichés are apparent to even the most novice filmmaker. The true challenge is making a film that actually has original suspense, no small feat these days. It’s only fitting that the director of one the best modern serial killer films (Se7en) should attempt to resurrect the dying genre with a completely different style. Zodiac is a masterful look into obsession but ultimately may not be the film that people are hoping for.

Director David Fincher carved a massive fan base for himself with his unmistakable filmmaking style and penchant for making very bold films. Se7en and Fight Club were adrenaline-filled, thinking-man joyrides while Panic Room made a story about two people locked in a room actually interesting. When it was announced that Fincher was filming a story based on the infamous San Francisco Zodiac killer, many people expected a flashy, in-your-face look at the tale. Instead, Fincher has taken the opposite route, crafting a more subtle film filled with unease, paranoia, and fear.

Fincher used source material from political cartoonist and investigator Robert Graysmith’s books to craft the story told through the eyes of three lead characters. Jake Gyllenhaal starts as Graysmith who finds himself starting to obsess over the case after his colleague, Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr.) has to cover the story for the paper San Francisco Tribune. Meanwhile inspector David Toschi (Mark Ruffalo) is attempting to craft a case from a police perspective. As the killer continues murder and avoid any identification, the two sides of the investigation are tripping over themselves, trying to find anyway to break the case. The result is has the trio delving deeper into the obsession of finding the identity of the Zodiac. They toil over it, meticulously checking out every possible clue. While they do corroborate at times, each individual is on his own path, with their own consequences both in their personal and professional lives. The lack of success begins to unhinge them all, making them a different kind of victim.

Zodiac does have its share of violence, but the suspense builds over time as the main characters become unhinged and paranoid. It doesn’t have a clean, happy ending by any means but by the time the end credits roll you realize that it was never about catching the Zodiac. Rather, the film’s focus is the toll such a maddening case takes on a person and who you become by choosing to stay dedicated, to stay obsessed.

The DVD

A one-disc release packed in a standard keepcase, the DVD features an atmospheric animated anamorphic widescreen main menu with options to watch the film, select scenes, adjust languages and check out the special features. Audio options include English and French Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks, while subtitles are available in English and Spanish, along with closed captioning.

The video is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. The film is very gritty, employing camera techniques that actually detract from showing you an immense amount of detail. All of this is done for atmospheric purposes and is no fault of the transfer. The print itself is clean though I did notice a few compression errors sprinkled throughout. It isn’t a pretty film by any conventional means, but the transfer succeeds in presenting the appropriate mood.

The audio is offered in English/French Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound with English/Spanish subtitles. I couldn’t find any problems with the audio. When appropriate it is robust and feature some impressive effects from the various channels, while at other times it is subtle and moody. Dialogue is crisp and clear as well.

The Extras

The only special features are Previews, included one for a Director’s Cut of Zodiac! That’s really going to annoy people once they buy the disc, realize there are no special features, and then find out about a double-dip!

Final Thoughts