Zodiac (2007)

With movies based on true stories, success is essentially a coin flip. Some movies (insert any Disney sports flick here) follow a tried and true formula, mixing mostly accurate storytelling with just a pinch of Hollywood sentimentality to create something with near universal appeal. Others, like this year's 21 for example, change nearly everything to try and sell themselves as blockbusters - and still fail. Considering this, along with the hit-or-miss nature of director David Fincher, Zodiac could very easily have been a colossal failure.

Fortunately, it isn't. In fact, Fincher's retelling of the Zodiac murders in late-1960's San Francisco is nothing short of mesmerizing. He handles one of the most famous unsolved cases in history with such finesse that you'd think him a field expert on the matter. A solid group of performances by an excellent ensemble cast, combined with a unique approach to telling the story don't hurt, either.

The first part of the film is Zodiac in his prime. We pick up after his second murder, as the case begins to accumulate national significance. But it's after we're thrust several years ahead when the film really gets its wings. Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal), a lowly cartoonist at the San Francisco Chronicle in Zodiac's early days, undertakes the mission of identifying the killer for a book he's writing. At this point, the subject shifts to his obsession with uncovering Zodiac's identity - which essentially becomes more damaging than any of the actual murders themselves. Jake Gyllenhaal handles this performance with a grace that allows me to finally forgive his abysmal career starter, Bubble Boy. Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr. have moxie, but Gyllenhaal ultimately steals the show.

At 157 minutes, the movie could have perhaps been trimmed a bit here and there. But the mysterious, thrilling nature of it all, combined with the excellent storytelling and production value, will keep your eyes glued to the screen. Zodiac is easily one of the best films of 2007. It's just a shame the Academy didn't realize that.

3.5 stars of 4
8/10