Quick DVD Review: Zodiac

If you asked me 11 years ago who my favorite director working in Hollywood was, the answer would have been David Fincher. After Seven and the highly underappreciated Aliens 3 I had found my new favorite. Of course in 1999 there came the crowning glory of Fight Club, one of my favorite films of all time, and that only solidified Fincher’s position as my favorite. However since 2002’s lackluster Panic Room Fincher has been silent and my top spot has gone back to being dominated by Lynch and Scorsese. Fincher should be one of those one name directors but the guy is deliberate about the projects he chooses. Thankfully I’m happy to say that, the just released on DVD, Zodiac should go a long way towards making that happy. One of the best reviewed films of 2007 so far, Zodiac did criminally small numbers at the box office. The film following the serial killer who terrorized California back in the 70’s seems right up Fincher’s alley but he doesn’t rest on his past films he instead tries new things and with great success. Visually Fincher seems to have turned a new page. Sure it’s still dark but the frames are crisp and clear as opposed to his frequent use of distortion. He paces the movie at a methodical pace but by skipping months and years ahead the viewer always feels the film gaining momentum to the point at which they identify with the main characters as they race to a conclusion that doesn’t exist. As usual he gets great performances out of some lesser actors and some great ones. Jake Gyllenhall whom I usually detest really turns in a solid if not spectacular performance. In the other leading role Mark Ruffalo continues to play chameleon from role to role as instills the film with a real stability as the chief police inspector on the case. Robert Downey Jr. continues to shine as one of our greatest acting treasures and he dominates whenever he’s on screen as the first character we see descend into madness while trying to uncover the case. Brian Cox and Anthony Edwards head up a great supporting cast as well. Fincher gives the audience some closure but if you want a movie tied up in a nice bow then this isn’t for you but if you want to be challenged and entertained then check it out. The DVD is bare bones but something tells me around X-mas we’ll be seeing a tricked out special edition complete with documentaries on the killer and so on.