The Hurdy-Gurdy Man
I just came back from seeing Zodiac, which opened tonight. The spoiler-free skinny: it's excellent, albeit too long. Director David Fincher claims that the best stuff was left on the cutting-room floor, but I think there was too much attention on too many subplots. I will admit that the only thing I know for sure about the Zodiac killer is that he has never been caught. That being said, the movie makes a plausible case for a particular scenario involving a particular suspect. (How's that for vague?) Knowing that the ending would likely be unsatisfying did not ruin the experience for me. The purpose of the movie is to follow the men who hunted the Zodiac killer, and I only wish I had a chance to focus on one and learn more about him.
The film was suspenseful and unsettling at times, if only because it reminded me of my obsessions. It was also hard not to get caught up in the well-crafted atmosphere. Everything from the clothing to the smoking in public buildings to the music sold me on the setting. The solid cast is enviable: Anthony Edwards, Robert Downey, Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Brian Cox and Chloe Sevigny are among the ranks. Let us not forget that Jake Gyllenhaal turns in an admirable performance as a naive cartoonist turned amateur sleuth.
And for the squeamish, the violence is limited. The Zodiac's power was in his threats, not in the crimes he actually committed. However, I did gasp aloud during the first murder scene, if only because the build-up of tension was so damn good.
If you're looking for something to do during this icy and cold weekend, I suggest you check out Zodiac.
The film was suspenseful and unsettling at times, if only because it reminded me of my obsessions. It was also hard not to get caught up in the well-crafted atmosphere. Everything from the clothing to the smoking in public buildings to the music sold me on the setting. The solid cast is enviable: Anthony Edwards, Robert Downey, Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Brian Cox and Chloe Sevigny are among the ranks. Let us not forget that Jake Gyllenhaal turns in an admirable performance as a naive cartoonist turned amateur sleuth.
And for the squeamish, the violence is limited. The Zodiac's power was in his threats, not in the crimes he actually committed. However, I did gasp aloud during the first murder scene, if only because the build-up of tension was so damn good.
If you're looking for something to do during this icy and cold weekend, I suggest you check out Zodiac.