Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo
Directed by: David Fincher
(18), 158 mins, 2007, United States
What's the story?
Based on a true tale, this is about four men – two newspaper employees and two detectives – determined to track down the Zodiac, a serial killer who terrorised the folks of the San Francisco Bay area during the '60s and '70s.
Who's the hottie?
Jake Gyllenhaal, of course. But his sweetie-pie character is about as far from a simmering cowboy as you can get. No need to cry, though - Jake makes an awfully cute chirpy boy scout. He's a newspaper cartoonist who becomes obsessed with solving the Zodiac's encrypted messages.
Who's in it?
Talk about talent! Alongside Jake there's Robert Downey Jr giving another excellent and crazed performance as a journalist whose desire to identify the killer takes him over to the dark side, and Mark Ruffalo as a detective also attempting to unravel the riddle. The smaller roles are played by superb actors, including Brian Cox and Anthony Edwards.
Liking
The gripping mystery, intelligent dialogue, amusing banter between Jake and Downey's characters, plus the excellent character development. These boys and their wives (including lucky Chloë Sevigny, who is paired with Jake) are believable and have depth.
Not liking
The running time. It's a yawn-inducing 158 minutes! What was 'Se7en' director David Fincher thinking? That most of the viewing public have the patience of a perfectionist like him? This is a very good film, but if he'd shaved off 30 minutes or more, the story would have had more punch.
Extras
If you are looking for a good extras package, it might be worth holding out for the special edition due for release next year. Director David Fincher is currently putting the finishing touches to a whole host of exciting 'Zodiac' features, which weren't available in time for this release. There is one featurette on this edition, but it's really nothing to get excited about.
Rating
4/5
Website
Buy 'Zodiac' on DVD here
