MOVIE: ZODIAC [2007]

REVIEW# 90
MOVIE: ZODIAC [2007]
Genre: Crime/Thriller/True story
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal,Robert Downey Jr.,Mark Ruffalo
Director: David Fincher
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Deeps rating: 7.3/10
Verdict: Meticulously crafted thriller.

#PLOT.
   The story is about a mysterious serial killer called 'Zodiac',who terrorized San Fransisco during 1960's and 70's.He taunted the police with his letters and mysterious ciphers.He had it published in the newspapers and thus he created a lot of panic among the residents.A big investigative team was formed to track down Zodiac under police detective Dave Toschi [Mark Ruffalo]. They try hard to break down his codes and finally they manage to find out that his writings referred to the story and film 'The Most Dangerous Game'. They question many but fail to reach upon a conclusion as the investigation was mainly based on hand writing and and his voice.

   Parallel to the police investigation a San Fransisco Chronicle's crime reporter Paul Avery [Robert Downey Jr.] assisted by a cartoonist Robert Graysmith [Jake Gyllenhall] too runs an investigation about the serial killer.After years the killings stop but the killer remains a mystery.Everyone seems to have moved on but Robert Graysmith was still  haunted by the killers letters and his motive.After almost 15 years ,Graysmith tracks down the killer but still the lack of scientific evidence seems to elude him.But his persistent efforts prompt the killer to resurface.With an uninterested police department and a cold media behind him,Graysmith continues his exploits to find out the truth behind Zodiac killings and the mysterious killer.

#POSITIVES.

1 .As it's based on a true crime file,it keeps you pinned down till the end.
2. A racy and exciting first half which promises a lot.
3. Well-written as a lot of research has gone behind this,for sure.
4. Excellent performances from Jake Gyllenhall and Mark Ruffalo.Jake always has been a great actor as he seems to be effortless and natural in his acting skills.

#NEGATIVES.

1. After a racy first half an equally dragging second half .Just as the media and police lose interest in Zodiac after years of investigation,we too as audience start to lose interest as the movie goes on.
2. Unnecessary characters just like Paul Avery[Robert Downey Jr.].As you can't question chacters in real life events,but his charcater bring in any sense either to the plot or the crime.
3.Too lengthy which is not suited for any investigative thrillers.
4. A stew boiling for no one.






#BOX OFFICE.

  The movie got a good critical reception upon it's release for it's novel way and presentation of facts with integrity and objectivity.The movie made a decent world wide gross of $84 million against a budget of $65 million thus making it a moderate success at the box office.

TIP OF THE DAY: SUCCESS IS THE SUM OF EVERY SMALL EFFORTS.