Zodiac

[Queen Prawn]

I have to admit I was nervous going to see this based on the last bomb I chose to see (Black Dahlia). This time I checked reviews and such and was rewarded.

 

The did a wonderful job of keeping to Graysmith's book. Oddly enough, I had just finished it when I saw a commercial for this movie. I liked the guy they got to play Arthur Leigh Allen - just a little too tall, but other than that he did a good job with the small role.

 

I was also pleasantly surprised by the guy that portrayed Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal). I wasn't really expecting much, but he wowed me.

 

Robert Downey Jr didn't really have to stretch much for his role but played Paul Avery to the hilt.

 

It was good seeing Anthony Edwards on the big screen. He and Mark Ruffalo did a good job as the two detectives that investigated the Zodiac murders.

 

As for the theory that Robert comes up with, I think he was spot on - either ALA did it or was guiltiest looking innocent man. The book is huge (700 or 800 pages I think - my copy is here somewhere but not sure where I put it when I got back from Philly) which is why I need to go back and read it again as I know there was plenty I probably didn't take in on the first go around. It also amazes me the lack of cooperation between the police offices - I hope that has changed in the last 40 years or so, but I am sure it still does happen from time to time.

 

I was surprised that it sold out last night. Since I had already read the book, I knew where the story was going at all times so it was fun when the director was faking out the crowd listening to all there ahs and screams and such.

 

All in all, I highly suggest seeing this movie if you are into true crime novels.

Edited March 11, 2007 by Queen Prawn

[santo=dorf]

Saw it last night and thought it was very good.

 

I thought Downey Jr was good too, and there were a few when I said to myself "He's not doing much acting here."

[The Critic]

Saw it last night and thought it was very good.

 

I thought Downey Jr was good too, and there were a few when I said to myself "He's not doing much acting here."

Downey's work in Less Than Zero was borderline documentary.

[Middle Buffalo]

I was having a similar run of poor movie going experiences lately, but I really liked Zodiac.

 

I can't remember if I read this book in the past, but I knew the story pretty well. I think it might have been cited as an example in a book about serial killers that I read a few years ago - "Mind Hunter" by John Douglas. It was written by an FBI serial killer expert and showed how police are able to pinpoint likely suspects based on various facts known about the murders.

 

The movie was long, but I didn't spend the entire time looking at my watch. There weren't any unnecessary scenes that I can remember, and that is a huge complaint of mine when I see a movie.

 

Thumbs Up.

[Kyyle23]

I have really grown to appreciate Downey Jr. I saw kiss kiss bang bang for the first time the other night and I thought RDJ was fantastic, as well as Val Kilmer. Its a really funny movie

[SoxFanForever]

I have really grown to appreciate Downey Jr. I saw kiss kiss bang bang for the first time the other night and I thought RDJ was fantastic, as well as Val Kilmer. Its a really funny movie

I really enjoyed the movie as well. I didn't know it was closer to 3 hours than 2 but I did enjoy it none the less. Didn't drag on for a 2 hr 40 minute movie. Between that and seeing 300 this weekend I am 2 for 2 in movie going.

[bmags]

o boy black dahlia was a train wreck.

[WhiteSoxfan1986]

I thought it was a decent movie. It was great at the beginning but it kind of dragged on, and I was kind of dissapointed in the ending. I didn't know any kind of background on the subject before I saw it though.