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MiraJeff Succumbs To The ZODIAC!!
Hey, everyone. ”Moriarty” here.
I’ll have my own thoughts on this one up this weekend. I’ve been working on another project all week, and haven’t had a chance to write my review yet.
I’m not even reading these as I post them, because I don’t want to know anyone else’s opinion before I write:
Greetings AICN, this is the MiraJeff speaking. I want you to post this review on the front page of your website. So that David Fincher and Co. can read it and rest a little easier, since I know how much this review will mean to them. Zodiac is a fucking masterpiece. Slap that one right on the poster, Paramount. As if there were any doubt before, Zodiac offers further proof that Fincher is in a class of his own. From the moment the old-school Paramount logo hit the screen (a move that reminded me of Friday the 13th for some reason), I simply knew what I was about to watch was a special film, made by a special filmmaker.
Three things first… of all, I have always been fascinated by the dark realm of serial killers, ever since I thought I would turn into one because I had the same first name as Dahmer. I think I actually asked my mom once when I was little, “do all Jeffrey’s become serial killers when they grow up?” The first R-rated film I ever saw, on my 10th birthday, alone mind you (Mom bought the tix and went to a different one), was Copycat. I’m from Boston (basically) and there was that Tony Curtis movie based on that guy with the strong hands. So it’s no secret that second of all, I think Se7en is one of a few “perfect” films, by which I mean, I wouldn’t change a single word, frame, scene or actor. It is more untouchable than Al Capone as far as I’m concerned. Third of all, I read James Vanderbilt’s page-turner of a screenplay and while I was initially skeptical of any Fincher serial killer written by anyone other than Andrew Kevin Walker, I thought Vanderbilt knocked it out of the park.
It, of course, would be the adaptation of Robert Graysmith’s non-fiction work, a book I hadn’t even heard of until I was flying to Disney World for Spring Break my senior year of high school and saw it in a bookstore and consumed it on the ensuing plane ride. Speaking of consuming, that is exactly what Zodiac is all about; The Zodiac case consuming Graysmith, because really, it got to the point of beyond simply obsession. Graysmith didn’t eat, he didn’t sleep, he didn’t jerk off, and he probably shit his pants pouring over various documents day and night, all because the police were rendered incompetent by jurisdictional issues. If Zodiac is about anything else, it’s the investigation, which is broken down detail by detail in agonizing but spectacular fashion. It’s Fincher’s attention to detail that makes him the cream of the crop. What’s incredibly fascinating about this investigation is the fact that it’s old school. There are no talking computers searching databases for fingerprints and handwriting samples. A case is built one clue at a time, and there was no one better at digging up Zodiac clues than Graysmith.
Speaking of Graysmith, he’s played in the film by Jake Gyllenhaal, an actor I’ve already exalted on this website being a slobbering fan of both Donnie Darko and Brokeback Mountain, go figure. Gyllenhaal really throws himself into the role, kinda like on Dirt, how Holt McClaren kinda pulls his shit together once he’s offered a part in a Fincher film. There’s gotta be this aura or mystique around him, because actors love working for this guy, always turning in solid performances. I mean, Jared Leto, not once but twice, that’s no small feat my friend.
As good as Gyllenhaal is, the film’s ace performance comes courtesy of Robert Downey Jr., who has been stepping it up lately. I mean, there was a period where everyone was really worried about him, and as of late he’s done Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Fur, and soon Iron Man. This guy is picking some good roles in good movies, well, almost there Fur. As Paul Avery, the drunken whiz reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, this guy digs up more dirt than Perez Hilton. He gives the investigation a much-needed sense of humor and though the film is a little long at 2 hrs and 40 mins, it never feels that long because Downey Jr. just commands your attention onscreen.
The third piece of this puzzle is Mark Ruffalo as Dave Toschi, the lead city cop on the case. Ruffalo has always been sharp and I thought he was great again here, with his bathrobes and animal crackers. I’m really looking forward to his pairing with Joaquin Phoenix in Reservation Road. The supporting cast is fantastic from top to bottom, featuring a who’s who of familiar faces including Anthony Edwards, Brian Cox, Donal Logue, Elias Koteas, James LeGros, Phillip Baker Hall, Dermot Mulroney, Chloe Sevigny, Clea DuVall, Adam Goldberg, Paul Schultze (Chappelle on 24), Zach Grenier (Jack’s boss in Fight Club), John Terry (Jack’s dad on Lost!), John Getz (Gus from Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitters Dead !!) and perhaps most importantly, two deliciously creepy turns from John Caroll Lynch (Drew Carey) and Charles Fleischer.
DP Harris Savides does expert work with a new crazy digital camera whose name escapes me at the moment. Some real bang-up camera movements, and yeah, I notice these things more after Children of Men. The film also really captures the general attitude of fear in San Francisco the same way Spike Lee captured Manhattan’s paranoia in Summer of Sam. Fincher makes some amazing soundtrack choices, evoking the period with a spirit and style all his own. The violence is kept to a surprising minimum, but when it strikes, its vicious and jarring, especially a double stabbing by a lake. For some reason the knife always makes me wince more than a gunshot to the face. And, interesting side note, but I was surprised by the lack of swearing in this movie. I guess cops didn’t talk back then like they do on The Wire now. (Side note within a sidenote: I’m finishing season 2 and in love with it right now.) I really can’t say enough about this movie. It is incredible.
As for some random criticisms, I wish Edwards didn’t exit the picture so abruptly, but I’m glad Fincher kept the script’s infamous “baby” line. And I was overjoyed that the second half of the movie didn’t drag at all, in fact, it really succeeded in upping the stakes and drawing out the tension thanks to a suspenseful scene in a house with a basement. I forgot to mention that when I read the script, I couldn’t help but be under whelmed by the extremely anti-climactic ending, which of course, was the only ending appropriate for an unsolved case. However, thanks to the steel-eyed performances of Gyllenhaal and another aforementioned actor, the scene really hits home and we really feel like we’ve completed this journey with Graysmith. It really is a fantastic feeling of accomplishment at the end of this epic film, and you’ll leave the theater on a Fincher contact-high buzz.
And for those of you who are scared off by Zodiac’s lengthy running time, let me put it to you this way. At these “special events” we press are shamelessly bought with free popcorn and soda. Everyone knows that when you get something free, you have to take advantage of it. Well I didn’t eat breakfast or lunch, and I was so into Zodiac that I didn’t have one sip of Coke or one kernel of buttery popcorn the entire time. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. It was like every good mystery should be- impossible to put down. Ladies and gentlemen, if David Fincher can’t, then I hope at least all of you can rest easier now that you know the truth about Zodiac. It is everything you have been waiting for and more. The master has delivered. Here’s to Benjamin Button and beyond.
That’ll do it for me, folks. This is the MiraJeff speaking, signing off until next time. You can email my tip hotline right here.
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why not get more for your 9 bucks? especially if it's Fincher. amen!
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I've read both Zodiac books by Greysmith and I became obsessed myself. Drawing the cross symbol everywhere. Hell, I even took a "which serial killer are you" and got Zodiac. This will be a good year.
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but this will probably be the only movie I see in a cinema this side of summer. The combination of Fincher, an All the President's Men vibe and that motherfucker of a cast is irresistible.MiraJeff: Ione Skye is still in this, right? Her role is pretty significant, if I understand the Zodiac investigation correctly, and she was in that trailer posted the other day... but you don't mention her and she's not listed in the IMDb cast. Being an unrepentant fan of Say Anything, I hope her scenes haven't been cut.
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Completely in agreement on long movies. I used to be able to see everything for free, but now it's ten euros before popcorn and metro fares, so I've become rather more selective. If a film and its atmosphere are compelling enough, I have no problem spending two and a half or three hours on the bastard. The Departed for example, which was the last movie I saw on the big screen. Fortunately years of alcohol abuse have strengthened my bladder. By the sounds of it, that will come in handy watching Zodiac.
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Bizarre film, but great performance from everyones favorite oft-handcuffed celebrity.
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be long. It cost $11 or so to see a movie now - I don't want a 90 minute quickey - I want atleast a 2hour - 2.5 movie experience - but only if the movie calls for it to be that long and this looks like it fits the bill. Fincher makes great movies - like I said earlier, I even love Panic Room. On a side note - I picked up the Directors cut of Kingdom of Heaven a while ago .... it's atleast - what - 45 minutes longer and very much worth it. The extra time put back in makes the movie above and beyond the theatrical cut! Great job Scott - in my opinion - far better then Gladiator - and I HATE BLOOM! I remember when there was a review on the site for it a while back - the extended version - and you guys were right - great stuff. The theatrical version was raped!
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If you like Fincher and Panic Room, I highly recommend the three disc DVD. It covers just about every aspect of the production, and gave me new respect for what the dude accomplished as a director. The complexity of that movie is staggering. I don't love the film - I like and enjoy it - but that boxset was worth every penny. You even get a commentary where William Goldman shoots the shit with David Koepp.
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I don't care if a film is 80 or 180 minutes long.
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... the greatest actor of his generation for the best part of fifteen years. It's great to see him finally pulling away from all the other wannabees and putting his past problems behind him.
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stretched the truth in alot of cases and got what he wanted. He made himself famous.
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Look at the Lord of the Rings for instance. Audiences hate bad short movies just as much.
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Anyone?
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the 1 disk dvd. I will definetely pick this up. Thanks! Been looking for some sort of extra dvd set of this but forgot about it. Thanks.
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It's paradox but even people who love LOTR (and we all know that this a very popular trilogy) complain about the runtime of every single part. Don'T know why. *shrugs*
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that line the doctor says about the guy experiencing more hell than we could ever know or whatever it was. From what I remember Fincher was saying in the commentary how he winces every time he hears that one. HE would probably like to change that line. Heh.
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When I saw Jackson's Kong I was surprised he didn't put in the old Universal logo with the plane going around the chrome world. Instead we got the crappy new candy-coloured one, which I hate. Even the previous cg version (that was on Jurassic Park) was better than that cheap-looking rainbow crap. Nice that Fincher went for the appropriate one. Typical of him really.
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man you blew your load, didntcha! well i think every geek on this site is a fucking liar if they say they're not psyched - or at the very least, intrigued - by another fincher joint. i bet i'll feel good and dirty after seeing it!
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Before I kill you, I'm going to throw your baby out the window (of a moving car). And whether Fincher likes it or not, I'm a fan of the doctor's shpiel in Se7en- "If you were to shine a flashlight in his eyes he would die of shock right now..." Also, I know I shot my wad all over this film but you'll see, it deserved it. Hell it deserved a Peter North wad. Don't pretend like you don't know who that is either you like-minded, web-trolling pervs.
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i'd prolly do it too. being a girl, i have a different kind of wad.
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The Wire is the best television show of ever!!! Yeah I said it! Wait til you get to season 3, im warning you! I cant freakin wait for this movie though. Fincher is one of my favorite filmakers of all-time, and im hoping he knocks this out the park. Plus its Fincher in HD! Fincher in DLP! Hell yeah i cant wait for March 2!
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I also saw the preview screening last night in NY and MiraJeff needs to calm down. While it is a good movie, I would not deem it a "fucking masterpiece". It's this kind of reckless hype that ruins it for others. I thought the movie was suspenseful and well made but it just went on for sooo long, partly because of the plot itself (the Zodiac is elusive and the story spans many years). But overall, I enjoyed it. Jake was good in it.
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Jared Leto has worked for Fincher three times... so thats an even bigger deal.
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Not anything major, but due to test audiences, that end voice over where Somerset talks about not retiring any more and not giving up is added. It doesn't take any enjoyment out of the movie for me, but still, something was changed. And yes, I'm looking forward to this film tons. Fincher and Downey Jr. I both love, and the subject material on the Zodiac is really interesting stuff. I'll be seeing this the same day I see Black Snake Moan, and I cannot wait. Again, I repeat: That overhead shot of the San Francisco Bridge is in a fucking class of its own.
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The best part about it is Tommy Carcetti, who is just so, so wonderful. And the actor looks near identical to Edward Norton in my opinion.
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Is the greatest film maker of our generation period! This guy always has his choice of projects and does what he wants to when he wants to. Any of his movies in the hands of another director would suck. He single handedly makes movies better, and he gets great performances out of his actors. He chooses what he wants to do and what he doesn't. Hell he turned down Spiderman for crying out loud because he didn't want to tell that aweful origin story that turned out to be the first one... Can you imagine if Fincher was makiing Halloween instead of that douchebag Rob Zombie... Oh what could be......
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forward to" (got off my arse and looked it up) which comes a couple of lines later. Not to mention that the "flashlight" line doesn't make much sense considering that's exactly what they were all doing to him in the scene prior. Still an awesome movie though.
Daniel, the beginning was changed too, but look at the title sequence we got out of it! Someone else on one of the other board was actually saying that an alternate ending where Mills commits suicide should have been used, which is insane. Changes can be good, and they were, in this movie. -
Which is why people mistakenly blame him for fucking Alien 3 up. He was a director for hire on that one, and he did the best he could with what he had. And not since then either, as he's had as many projects fall over as he's made.
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Sure, a lot of people attack Alien 3, but Fincher's cut of it is a lot better than what was released, and if you go along with Turd's point about when Fincher has control, he does amazing work, it still holds up. And I agree with Turd, but I wouldn't say he's the best filmmaker ever. I'll need to watch Panic Room and The Game again, as I enjoyed both of them, but it's been ages since I've seen them, and I feel I could have a better dissection/reception to it.
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I didnt really like Panic Room, it tried to do something that has been done before, but I loved Fight Club even though Brad Pitt is one of the worst actors in Hollywood, The Game was a masterpiece in my opinion, and Se7en kept me glued to my seat even though I had to piss like a race horse through the entire second act and even though Brad Pitt was the lead. I saw this trailor about a month ago and had no idea at the time it was a Fincher flick, but liked the look it had, it looked like a Fincher, it had that tint, you know the Fincher Tint he uses in every one of his movies, but I digress...the story concept is awesome and I think it will make up for Panic Room...MovieGeek out...peace.
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If the Zodiac killer was still out there and he bought a ticket to see this? What a fucked up paradox.
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He's great. Glad he's in this. Met him years ago in Atlantic City after watching his stand-up (bought one of his paintings, guy's an amazing painter). Asked him if Zemeckis was gonna put him in another movie and he said 'Yeah, it's called 'Polar Express'. Sorry, just reminiscing.
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