Zodiac is based on a true story about a San Francisco reporter and artist, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, who becomes obsessed with discovering the identity of the infamous Zodiac killer of the 1970s. Deftly directed and brilliantly acted, the film details how Gyllenhaal is sucked into the world of a psychotic mastermind and in the process is permanently changed. He wife and child eventually leave him, he forgets to eat and stays up night after night searching for clues that lead to dead end after dead end. The film becomes a study of obsession itself, and by the end of the film the killer and the hunter are mirroring each other in disturbing and riveting detail.

Mark Ruffalo is great as the cop assigned to the case who gives up on it long before Gyllenhaal ever does. The seventies feel of the movie is dead on, yet never distracts from the tension by descending into camp or calling too much attention to itself. Robert Downey Jr., arguably one of the best actors of this century, is brilliant as a cynical alcoholic coworker who initially helps Gyllenhaal, but eventually gives in to despair and bitterness.

Director David Fincher, the man behind the movie Seven, is in his element with this film. Though not as dark visually as Seven was, this film is very dark in subject and conclusion. The Zodiac killer was never found. By the end of the film, Gyllenhaal has settled on an answer of sorts, but can have no confirmation, can never rest assured, can never relax. The movie will leave you nervous and uncomfortable, and you will be riveted to the screen the entire time.

Recommended: Yes

Movie Mood: Scary Movie
Viewing Method: Other
Film Completeness: Looked complete to me.
Worst Part of this Film: Nothing