The Zodiac (2005)

User Rating:

5.4/10   

Director:

Alexander Bulkley

Writers:

Kelley Bulkeley (writer)
Alexander Bulkley (writer)

Release Date:

3 August 2006 (Russia)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

The most infamous serial killer of our time... is still out there.

Plot:

An elusive serial killer known as the Zodiac terrorizes the San Francisco Bay in the late 1960s, while detectives aim to stop him before he claims more victims. Based on a true story.

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Lake | Serial Killer | San Francisco | 1960s

Cast

Justin Chambers	...	Inspector Matt Parish
Robin Tunney	...	Laura Parish
Rory Culkin	...	Johnny Parish
William Mapother	...	Dale Coverling
Brad William Henke	...	Bill Gregory (as Brad Henke)
Rex Linn	...	Jim Martinez
Philip Baker Hall	...	Frank Perkins
Marty Lindsey	...	Zodiac Killer
Brian Bloom	...	Voice of Zodiac (voice)
Shelby Alexis Irey	...	Bobbie
Natassia Costa	...	Mary
Kris Palm	...	Michael
Nate Dushku	...	Scott Washington
Katelin Chesna Henke	...	Patsy (as Katelin Chesna)
Kathryn Howell	...	Mrs. Boucher

Also Known As:

In Control of All Things (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong violence and language.

Runtime:

USA:92 min | USA:97 min (DVD)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Singapore:NC-16 | Australia:MA | USA:R | Germany:16 | UK:15 | Italy:T | Netherlands:16 | Finland:K-15 | New Zealand:R16

Filming Locations:

Benicia, California, USA

Company:

Blackwater Films

Trivia:

The burning of Kathleen Johns’ car can be seen in the music video intro played before the attack at the lake.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: During the stakeout, when the police surround the Mercury, there is a camera shot that is from the back seat, over the driver's right shoulder. In the upper left corner of the windshield, there is a clear plastic Valvoline oil change sticker. These stickers were not in existence in 1968.

Movie Connections:

References The Most Dangerous Game (1932)

Soundtrack:

Time Has Come Today

Captures the story of the Zodiac as well as essence of the Sixties

The only reason I didn't give this a "10" is because there are a couple of slow spots - but those do not detract from the very faithful telling of the story of Zodiac.

If you're a Zodiac scholar, as I am, you will not be disappointed. Even more than that, though, is the way the film captures the very essence of what it was like to grow up in the Sixties, and not in the 'in your face' way that most films ('Forrest Gump' comes to mind) do these days.

We did not live our lives to a soundtrack done by Buffalo Springfield and Creedence Clearwater - though those bands were there, there was a lot more music around that's not as overused as in today's films, and 'The Zodiac' filmmakers get it.

Not everyone wore tie-dye & flashed peace signs all the time, some of us owned a plaid Thermos, people wore Capri pants.

I was unable to catch an anachronism, which is my favorite thing to pick on.

The horror of the Zodiac crimes taking place against this very accurate background is compelling.

Solid 9 for getting it exactly right.