The Zodiac (2005)

Director:

Alexander Bulkley

Writers:

Kelley Bulkeley (writer)
Alexander Bulkley (writer)

Release Date:

3 August 2006 (Russia)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

The most infamous serial killer of our time... is still out there.

Plot:

An elusive serial killer known as the Zodiac terrorizes the San Francisco Bay in the late 1960s, while detectives aim to stop him before he claims more victims. Based on a true story.

Plot Keywords:

Encoded Message | Christmas | Car | Gun | Lake

Cast

Justin Chambers	...	Inspector Matt Parish
Robin Tunney	...	Laura Parish
Rory Culkin	...	Johnny Parish
William Mapother	...	Dale Coverling
Brad William Henke	...	Bill Gregory (as Brad Henke)
Rex Linn	...	Jim Martinez
Philip Baker Hall	...	Frank Perkins
Marty Lindsey	...	Zodiac Killer
Brian Bloom	...	Voice of Zodiac (voice)
Shelby Alexis Irey	...	Bobbie
Natassia Costa	...	Mary
Kris Palm	...	Michael
Nate Dushku	...	Scott Washington
Katelin Chesna Henke	...	Patsy (as Katelin Chesna)
Kathryn Howell	...	Mrs. Boucher

Also Known As:

In Control of All Things (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong violence and language.

Runtime:

USA:92 min | USA:97 min (DVD)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Australia:MA | UK:15 | Singapore:NC-16 | Netherlands:16 | USA:R | Italy:T | Germany:16

Filming Locations:

Benicia, California, USA

Company:

ShadowMachine Films

Trivia:

The script calls the location of the first murders Lake Helena Road. It was actually Lake Herman Road which crosses from Vallejo to Benica next to Lake Herman.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: In a early setting after the first murders, Inspector Matt returns to the crime scene and is holding a Mag-Lite flashlight. While the flashlight became the number one flashlight of all police departments it wasn't offered for sale till 1979. Several years after the first Zodiac murders.

Movie Connections:

Features The Most Dangerous Game (1932)

Soundtrack:

With a Girl, Like You

Being based on true events makes it all the more chilling

"The Zodiac" is by no means a blockbuster film, and if not for the fact that it is based on real and terrifying events, it probably wouldn't be that good at all. But because it is based on real events, it is rather chilling and effective. The production values are better than one might suspect, and the acting from the three main characters, the Parish family is very good.

Hottie Justin Chambers plays Sgt. Matt Parish and does a terrific job. At first it seemed odd that his character was put in charge of the horrifying murders that were taking place, due to his young age and possible inexperience, but I suppose it means the older police officers do not have to take much responsibility for what turned out to be a very tough case. Tough also on Parish's personal life, especially when his young son Johnny takes an interest in the case, and when his wife Laura gets neglected.

Robin Tunney gives a surprisingly good performance as Laura Parish, showing a lot of compassion and while she no doubt loves her husband, she also expresses her fear of the Zodiac Killer, which Parish thinks is unfounded, and at the way she is being neglected as her husband is so caught up in work. As the film is set in the 1960's, both Chambers and Tunney give very good portrayals of what might be seen as stereotypical husband and wife roles. Following in the footsteps of his older siblings, Rory Culkin does a good job in his role as Johnny Parish, however he also seemed a bit too young to figure out the various clues that are in the film. William Mapother is underused as inquisitive reporter Dale Coverling.

Aside from "The Zodiac" being a film based on real events, it is interesting to watch a thriller set some time ago, before all the advanced technology that the police seem to have at their disposal these days in other films and television programs. The murders are all shown and quite saddening, as there is a brief moment of build up before the characters deaths, then the Zodiac Killer makes his presence known before killing them, so you get to experience their fear also, particularly the opening scene murder.

So while "The Zodiac" probably won't change your life, it is a very good thriller with a difference, a hot lead, and some tense moments, which are made even more chilling because the film is based on real events, and apparently, the Zodiac Killer is still out there. Scary huh?