Writer/Director: David Fincher
Starring: Brian Cox, Jake Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo
‘A Haunting Masterpiece’
Not many actors in Hollywood have made films that earn stocks like Brian Cox. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Cox has produced memorable movies. Whether it’s screenwriters, news reporters or psychotic serial killers, Cox has played many characters. Arguably, Cox’s finest strength as an actor has often been his commitment. He is one of those rare stars that has often poured his heart and soul into every role. Cox has never been afraid of taking risks in his career playing complex characters which aren’t likeable. Through his ability to construct characters that audiences can easily relate to, Cox has proven a great actor audiences value. A Scottish icon, Cox has made many fantastic movies which audiences cherish. An actor with strong commitment to his craft, Cox has been an icon in entertainment. Throughout his bold career, Cox has created several fantastic films which are definitely worth watching without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Cox and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Zodiac” is definitely my favourite. Ever since release in 2007, David Fincher’s movie has stood the test of time as a crime classic. Packed with strong production design, engaging storytelling and fantastic acting, it’s one of the best crime films ever made. At the centre of it all is a powerful performance by Brian Cox, who embodies a renowned television host seeking to negotiate with a grim serial killer. Ultimately, what makes “Zodiac” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most serial killer movies, it tackles bold themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about the importance of justice which would resonate with everyone. A mesmerizing masterpiece about serial killers, there are several strong reasons why “Zodiac” is a movie which is definitely without a single doubt worth seeing.
Based on true events, “Zodiac” tells the story of the real-life investigation of the Zodiac killer. Jake Gyllenhaal portrays Robert Graysmith, a committed cartoonist that works for a famous newspaper company. Graysmith often takes a great interest in the lives of serial killers which he finds fascinating. However, Graysmith’s life forever changes when he‘s assigned to inspect the Zodiac killer. The Zodiac is a scary serial killer that is terrorizing the San Francisco Bay Area. Melvin Belli (Brian Cox) is a renowned news reporter that becomes a tragic victim of the Zodiac killer. It doesn’t take long before Graysmith becomes obsessed with the case of the Zodiac killer. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Graysmith begins to wonder if it’s possible for him to ever discover identity of the Zodiac killer. Facing a painful dilemma, Graysmith questions whether serial killers that commit grim murders can be caught in the San Francisco Bay Area.
David Fincher is fascinated with serial killers which commit murder. A fantastic filmmaker, Fincher has often made great movies about serial killers that put lives in danger. His film “Se7en” captured dedicated detectives that investigate a psychotic killer committing seven deadly sins murders. With “Zodiac”, however, Fincher created his first investigative drama. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture real-life serial killers committing murders in a doomed city, but he succeeded tremendously. Through captivating cinematography, Fincher captures detectives investigating a serial killer in a dark city. Inspired with Jonathan Demme’s “The Silence of the Lambs”, Fincher effectively uses low-key lighting capturing tensions which serial killers committing murder are facing. For instance, low-key lighting elevates the opening scene. During this terrifying scene, the Zodiac commits a gruesome murder of teenagers that are spending time in a secluded car together. One appreciates low-key lighting capturing the tensions that serial killers are facing. Low-key lighting is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” did prove clearly, low-key lighting elevates comic book movies. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through breathtaking visuals, Fincher captures tensions that detectives investigating killers are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Zodiac” which merits appreciation is the production design. Evoking Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”, Fincher effectively uses sound design to capture the tensions endured by serial killers whose lives decline. Throughout the movie, Fincher deftly uses sound design to capture the mysterious voice of a serial killer whose appearance is a mystery. For instance, sound design elevates the zodiac call scene. During this frightening scene, the Zodiac has intense conversations on phone with a talk show host in front of the media. Through strong sound design, Fincher creates a portrait of a serial killer audiences can easily relate to. Sound design is a tricky technique to use in movies. As John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place” suggested, sound enhances horror movies about silent survival. However, it works immensely in this movie. Moreover, the musical score is dazzling. David Shire’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that serial killers bear. Through strong production, Fincher creates an engaging serial killer investigation.
Storytelling is one of the primary reasons why “Zodiac” is a crime thriller that is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses non-linear storytelling to capture murder serial killers are committing. Fincher’s greatest strength as a screenwriter is ability to capture the mysterious nature of a serial killer through non-linear storytelling. The film deftly switches back and forth between two distinct timelines: present-day scenes of the Zodiac investigation and past flashbacks of his murders. Through this captivating non-linear structure, Fincher captures the lives of serial killers that commit gruesome murder. For instance, the non-linear storytelling enhances the baby attack scene. During this intense scene, the film cuts to the zodiac committing a gruesome murder which involved a baby. One admires the non-linear storytelling capturing tensions serial killers are facing. Non-linear storytelling is tricky to use in movies. As Christopher Nolan’s “Memento” did prove clearly, non-linear storytelling elevates commemorated movies about memory loss. Through a superb screenplay, Fincher captures serial killers that face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Brian Cox delivers one of his greatest career performances as Melvin. Cox first achieved appreciation for committed businessmen in financial dramas. With “Zodiac”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t simple to portray a news journalist that becomes victim of a serial killer but he succeeded immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen in films before: intense, charismatic and serious in his most memorable role. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures angst, desperation and grief of a talk show host which becomes victim of serial killers. It’s a stellar performance from one of the most underrated actors which is working today.
While the movie is mainly stunning showcase for Brian Cox, the supporting cast is also superb. Jake Gyllenhaal is captivating, capturing the determination of a dedicated detective facing a downfall. Mark Ruffalo is magnificent, capturing the determination of a seeking to resolve investigations. Lastly, John Carol Lynch deserves appreciation. As the a man that becomes.
Finally, “Zodiac” will earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing tensions serial killers are facing. Unlike most movies about serial killers, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It discusses timeless themes such as identity, murder and trauma which would truly resonate with men. The film delivers a strong message about the importance of journalism which resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Zodiac” is one of those rare serial killer films everyone would adore.
Fans of Brian Cox will definitely appreciate “Zodiac” and so will movies-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A spectacular serial killer classic, it honours an actor that has built a legacy which is iconic.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a frightening serial killer terrorizing innocent citizens of a doomed city whose mysterious identity detectives struggle solving, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated Scottish actor that has built a long-lasting legacy earning a huge fan following for his abilities to portray compelling characters in unforgettable movies which are definitely worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 