ZODIAC
DVD Review by David Blackwell

DETAILS: 157 minutes, previews
VIDEO: 2.35:1 (Anamorphic Widescreen)
AUDIO: English 5.1, French 2.0 Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, French
STUDIO: Paramount/ Warner Brothers/ Phoenix Pictures
RELEASE DATE: 7-24-2007

Very few films suck me in like a drug. ZODIAC is one of those films. Director David Fincher owes lots of credit for that feat. Whether it was the underrated ALIEN 3 (the workprint cut is better than the theatrical), SE7EN, or PANIC ROOM, Fincher is one of the best directors today. He has crafted films that will be remembered as classics. ZODIAC follows the true evnts behind the Zodiac Killings in California during the late 1960s and early 1970s plus the investigation that dragged on for years involving three men: crime reporter Paul Avary (Robert Downey Jr.), newspaper cartoonist Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal), and Inspector David Toschi (Mark Ruffalo). The movie revolves around the lives of these three and how it affects things in their lives. Robert Graysmith would go on to write the true crime book ZODIAC (which I actually own a copy of).

ZODIAC never feels too long. It does almost go off the rails in the second half at a couple of points, but the film is about the case and the people invesigating it. I can't wiat to see the two disc Dirctor's Cut (which will feature never before seen footage and loads of extras like an audio commentary, featurettes on the making of the film, and new interviews with the people involved in the ZODIAC case from reporters to survivors to the cops). The film makes me want to read more about the Zodiac case. The cinematography and music help create a mood for ZODIAC in addition to David Fincher's best directorial job to date. Fincher is on fire in this film as he does get very involved like Ridley Scott and Alfred Hitchcock in how the film is made from every aspect of the production and post-production. ZODIAC is one of the best films of 2007 without a doubt and this top-notch thriller is one not to miss.

this DVD Review is (c)9-7-2007 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission. send all comments to lord_pragmagtic@hotmail.com look for additional content and news at http://enterline-media.tripod.com  and http://enterlinemedia.livejournal.com