Zodiac (2007)

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As a serial killer terrifies the San Francisco Bay Area and taunts police with his ciphers and letters, investigators in four jurisdictions search for the murderer. The case will become an obsession for four men as their lives and careers are built and destroyed by the endless trail of clues.

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Directed By: David Fincher

Written By: James Vanderbilt, Robert Graysmith

Starring: Brian Cox, Dermot Mulroney, Robert Downey Jr., Chloë Sevigny, Elias Koteas, Philip Baker Hall, Mark Ruffalo, John Carroll Lynch, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anthony Edwards, John Terry, Pell James

Genres: Drama, Crime, Mystery, History

Country: USA

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Zodiac belongs to 90 collections

1. 21st Century Top 250 (collaborative: moderated by dardan - 49 stars)

2. Empire's 500 Greatest Movies Of All Time (public: Ross - 36 stars)

3. Onion AV Club: The New Cult Canon (collaborative: moderated by theficionado - 28 stars)

4. They Shoot Pictures 1,000 Greatest Films (2014 revision) (collaborative: moderated by Jehan - 27 stars)

5. IMDb Top 250 Complete (collaborative: moderated by Jorg - 23 stars)

6. They Shoot Pictures 1,000 Greatest Films (2017 revision) (collaborative: moderated by iconogassed - 22 stars)

7. Based on a Book (collaborative: moderated by iconogassed - 21 stars)

8. Edgar Wright 1000 Favorite Movies (Aug 2016) (collaborative: moderated by Aron Ericson - 17 stars)

9. They Shoot Pictures 1,000 Greatest Films (2013 revision) (collaborative: moderated by rant1229 - 16 stars)

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15. Cinema Discusso Yearly Consensus (2008) (public: PeaceAnarchy - 10 stars)

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TCI | Percentile | Date Rated | # Stars (Reviews)

Stars	User	Rating
10	KasperL	85 _93rd
Making this about where dedication meets obsession was a wise choice; it could so easily have been "just Fincher's lesser serial killer film". Between Oscar-worthy performers Ruffalo and Downey Jr. and a wonderful variety of character actors, he's garnered his best cast so far. The interrogation of Leigh is intense, the basement scene positively chilling. The long running time is essential because it helps to convey the procedural nature of crime solving. Holds up really well on repeat viewing.
8	juntakinte99	100 _97th
Director David Fincher is so ahead of the curve that he made a true crime saga a decade before it was fashionable. Zodiac includes his Greatest Hits--including a hyper focused individual aiming for a goal that only they can understand. And his love of New Hollywood Cinema shines; including the All The President's Men newsroom, 70's Paramount logo, and David Shire jazz piano score. It's an amazingly well-made film, although I'm not sure the unresolved mystery makes it a fun crowd-pleasing movie.
8	BeeDub	95 _91st
Enthralling, absorbing procedural. Evokes its time and place so well I felt I'd lived in 1970s San Francisco for 3 hours. Skillfully distills an incredibly complex investigation into a coherent narrative, leading to an unconventional yet satisfying ending. A masterpiece.
7	Spunkie	70 _84th
Nothing like I expected, there is no need to judge Zodiac on any special expectations. The characters are not shallow, nowhere extraordinary, but they are quite consistent and well acted. Fincher takes his time in this one, we are not forcefully driven into murder mystery, infact most of the time we are not interested in who the murderer and what his motive is. The movie prevails in setting the pace, period portrayal and its subtle use of CGI composites.
6	overrated	98 _99th
One of the few films that has eaten away at me for a long time after watching in the cinema. Fincher delivers up a methodical investigation that is as chilling (the sound of endless telephones in an office now creeps me out) as it is ambitious in scope - in essence it's more about the obsession with truth & narratives rather than the murders themselves. Some may find this opaque and meandering, I was riveted the whole way through. Not only is this Fincher's best, it's in the top 5 of the 2000's.
6	Leonardis	94 _80th
Very smart and well made mystery movie. Fincher proves to be one of the greatest directors working today once again with Zodiac, a well-crafted, smartly written, if not just a little long piece of film history from the 2000's. Only drags a little bit really. Worth one watch.
5	SlrSoapbox	90 _92nd
This film deserved to be a huge hit. It deserved Oscars. I am convinced that time will show that this film, not Fight Club, is David Fincher's masterpiece. Fantastic performances (this film got me back on RDJ's team long before Iron Man) and you can tell the crew really did their research. I love the creepily shot night scenes and the subtle costuming and set designs that illustrate the passage of time.
5	doctor7	92 _95th
I think I can safely say I consider this Fincher's best work. It's suspenseful without being overbearing and unbelievably entertaining, even when you know the outcome of the film. Gyllenhaal has the personality of a odd and socially outcast person down to perfection. Robert Downey Jr. is certainly on a career revival as his performance in this is fantastic as well. A definite must for a Fincher fan, a suspense fan or someone that likes films "based on real events" to actually feel real.
5	Filligan	88 _72nd
This film demands you pay attention through its 2 hr. 40 min. run so that you can keep up with it, but doing so certainly rewards the viewer. Convoluted but captivating, Fincher is still a master at drawing you in and not releasing you until the credits. The thrills, though few, are really pulse-pounding and Downey Jr. is absolutely wonderful.
5	terrymac	81 _87th
An impeccably made and cast procedural drama, with a couple of nasty moments to pique the interest. It was long, but didn't feel overlong. Probably raised more questions than answers for me, and it really reminded me of another similar film about the Zodiac I'd seen a while ago (can't remember which one), but I'd probably watch this one again. Recommended.
5	Nathan S	5 _93rd
It may not correctly be called a horror film, per se, but this movie terrifies me. It's a deep dive down the rabbit hole; of an unknown but all-consuming force of depravity, of compulsion, obsession, paranoia. An engrossing balance struck between hard case history procedural and moody dramatization. The attention to detail never falters even beneath the breadth of its wide sprawl. There's so much to digest in this three hours, it's easy to think a little longer still might have been even better.
5	Mentaculus	89 _88th
Less about what compels a man to do evil, and more about what compels another man to decipher the compulsion. The beauty is, you're brought along with it, making you complicit in the protagonists' downfall. With great performances, fantastic distancing cinematography and a pitch-perfect setting (mutton chops!), this is the only 2.5 hour film in recent memory that didn't have me drifting.
4	willofgaia	85 _58th
Fantastically eerie and always tense, this film features three fantastic performances from the leading actors. Fincher wisely concentrates on the details and not the gore, and makes a film far scarier and frightening than any "horror" film in the last few years.
4	CCLZA	80 _77th
Solid film about all the events surrounding the Zodiac, but ultimately about what happens to people when they get obsessed. Great work from everyone involved.
4	Alex Watkins	5 _91st
One of the most sprawling films I've seen. The continually building mountain of evidence and massive cast of characters reminds me of JFK, though with less of a hurtling intensity (at least until the film's final sequences). Despite its somewhat workmanlike portrayal of police investigation, this has some of the most intense and creepy scenes I've seen in any thriller. Fincher took a risk with this but it payed off big time.
4	evrana	81 _75th
Fincher excels in creating a claustrophobic feeling that is unrelated with an enclosed space. The first hour or so was really dynamite; I really enjoyed the neurotic energy of Graysmith character and Downey Jr. has its own way of interpreting arrogance. Then as usual for true stories it petered out a bit; but all in all it was a great timepiece and the Zodiac phenomenon is worth to be studied a bit; it was maybe one of the first manifestations of media hype.
4	Farzan	59 _44th
A pretty fantastic mystery early on, but eventually, it just begins to drag on and on. One thing that really pissed me off about Zodiac was how often they would tell you '2 1/2 years later' and '23 years later.' It honestly felt like the case of the Zodiac took about a century.
4	Mrx	91 _56th
An ethralling, entertaining, and realistic look at one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in this country's history. Downey and Gyllenhaal both give amazing performances, and the multiple storylines mostly succeed in showing us the many different theories and perceptions about the Zodiac killer. Too bad the police story isn't nearly as interesting as the story involving the reporters or the cartoonist.
4	amerigo	74 _34th
How does this film warrant so much praise? How did the BBC decide that this was the 12th best film of the 21st century!? All it is is standard-fare true crime drama that's half a step away from a bland, overlong documentary. Yes, it was well-acted but Fincher's unwavering commitment to realism makes watching this flick little different from consuming a whole damn textbook on an increasingly obscure subject.
4	BillyShears	90 _92nd
A film of obsessions. That lady just would not let go of overalls. Bullit wanting his animal crackers. Donovan releasing Hurdy Gurdy Man to the delight of every budding serial killer.
4	Jeb	90 _79th
Fincher's outstanding follow-up to "Panic Room". Very engaging serial killer film, and this revived Robert Downey Jr.'s career. All-in-all a comprehensive, highly recommended crime thriller.
3	djross	65 _70th
Some excellent performances (especially by Downey and Ruffalo) in a generally well done investigation of an investigation. Gyllenhaal's protagonist is perhaps not as intriguing as intended, but the movie mostly holds the viewer's interest for the duration of its lengthy running time, gradually building a certain amount of tension. Effective without being astounding.
3	cagedwisdom	100 _90th
This movie, quite simply, has absolutely everything. Runs for nearly 3 hours but holds you tight until the very end. You're not bored for a single second. Filled with interesting characters, the plot works on an vast amount of levels and the casting and acting is nothing short of genius. I take my hat off for Mr Fincher and congratulate everyone involved.
3	Ytadel	8 _93rd
A comprehensive, highly engaging crime drama. Sure, it's convoluted and offers plenty of loose and dead ends which can occasionally frustrate, but that's like a real crime investigation. There's very little in the way of horror or thrills here, so I can see how it failed to connect with the drooling segment of middle America, but it's a fascinating (and pretty thorough) work with a particularly stellar turn from Robert Downey Jr.
3	joseywales	80 _86th
Great movie, but it DOES drag a little bit after the halfway point. Gyllenhaal and the period-work are outstanding!
3	TheRealJ-Ro	95 _97th
The Zodiac case is one of the most intriguing psychological cases in U.S. criminological history. The complex intricacies which the killer breaks down into such simple actions are truly fantastic. Robert Graysmith's life is both built up and destroyed by the man who seems to be able to control his mind and moods at will. Superbly acted all around (especially Gyllenhaal & Downey, Jr.), perfectly cast, excellently shot, with writing that was gripping and exciting. Zodiac is nearly a perfect film.
3	mwgerb	67 _81st
Turns from a typical murder mystery to a story of unfulfilled obsession. Incredibly well made, tense, strongly acted, and filmed with a dark aesthetic that complements the plot. However, if I'm being 100% honest, I have to say I slightly prefer the conclusive justice that Dirty Harry delivers.
3	Ray	95 _96th
FIncher is just the man. This film is stylish, well paced, engaging, superbly well acted, beautiful cinematography...just superb. Fincher is the -man-.
3	CMonster	84 _77th
So here's my new movie idea. Strange murders start happening in Hollywood. One day a film buff notices that seemingly unrelated murders in the paper have a connection, they can loosely be tied to movies. He takes it to the cops and they start pouring over unsolved murders and find a bunch that fit into this pattern. In the end the murderer is David Fincher and he gives a super creepy monologue about how his experiments are what made him such a great serial killer film maker. Give me my Oscar.
2	MartinTeller	80 _66th
Fincher's best film since Se7en. I get the feeling that Gyllenhall plays it a little quirkier than he needs to, but it works. You get drawn into his obsession. Fincher's most interesting touch is the way he amps up the background noise, which adds a layer of uneasiness (although it occasionally makes the dialogue difficult to hear). Overall, it's a little longer than it needs to be, and it's not a masterpiece or anything. But it's quite engaging, well-constructed, and makes good use of its cast.
2	DavidKahane	95 _92nd
Fincher has always filled the screen with impressive visuals, but I'd argue this represents the first time he's backed it up with genuinely substantive, intelligent, committed storytelling. Zodiac is ambitious and gripping, serious without being self-important, and inspired in its intellectual commitment. The tone and tenor are exactly right and Fincher lathers the screen in meticulous period details that enhance the sense of time and place. This is a great film.
2	Bricks	47 _19th
Felt like it would never end... I suppose it would've been a little more satisfying if I did not know the outcome going in, or if there would've been some kind of climax. All in all, very mediocre. The only interesting part of the movie was Downey Jr's character.
2	TheDiceman	80 _95th
Great film.
2	mlightle3	100 _98th
God, this movie is engaging. I never lost interest and didn't realize until after that it comes in at just under three hours. Told like an episode of Law and Order meets Se7en, it was right up my alley. The acting, superb, even from bit players. Too good to miss.
2	twincinema	85 _85th
I love films like this, because it's a somewhat fictionalized telling of a true story. The film clearly believes a specific person is the Zodiac killer, and it does shape my own view of who I think the person is, even if it's probably not that person. But the film doesn't present any other option, it's OBVIOUSLY that person. I don't know where I was going with this.
2	TedDedon	68 _38th
Entertaining movie but ridiculously flawed. Feels like two movies loosely connected together. The first half of the movie is unengaging at all and the second half tries to be way more intense than it actually is. Could have been great but winds up barely, if at all, scraping merely good.
2	nilkynarfy	85 _86th
I read the book back in the day, and I remember simultaneously thinking it was either the shitty dildo guy or just some dude taking credit for unrelated murders he didn't actually commit. Actually, I just wanted to type "shitty dildo guy". It's weird that I held that in my head for so long. The movie was pretty good in that it wasn't overly credulous about shitty dildo guy being the killer. I mean, it was a little credulous. but it worked for dramatic purposes. Shitty dildo guy.
2	Anomaly	86 _88th
A strong thriller from Fincher that effortlessly switches gears halfway through to focus more on an exploration of obsession, and still manages to maintain tension throughout.
2	brando814	100 _98th
A perfectly calibrated story about the obsessions that drive and define us. Well cast and performed it never misses a beat.
2	saucyjack	90 _89th
Brilliant follow up to the tepid Panic Room, director Fincher, writer Vanderbilt, and the cast recreate an unsolved crime...And those who are destroyed in its wake. Somewhat harmed by its release date shortly after the new year, the film was shunned by the Oscars. Of course, then again, the Oscars are shite anymore.
2	Shmendrek	5 _96th
A period film that's so engaging you easily forget that it's a period film. I watched this right before bed, which is usually a terrible idea, but I had no trouble staying awake for the entire three hour run time. Stupidly overlooked by the academy.
2	Boobjuice	86 _88th
I'm not one of those assholes who obsesses over serial killers so I can seem dark and intense, but this was an excellent serial killer film. Jake Gyllenhal poring and sweating over mountains of tedious files, graphics, and paperwork somehow yields a fascinating film. Who knew?
2	td888	20 _9th
This film starts out interesting, but fails completely in the middle. It goes on, and on and nothing interesting happens. It's way too long (almost 3 hours!) Only the last bit is mildly interesting (if you're still awake). I gave Downey Jr one last shot (after Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), but he's defintely not one of my favourite actors. I'll stay away from his films. I guess this movie is interesting if you know/experienced the time when the zodiac killer was active. Otherwise, stay away...
2	JMBosch	92 _95th
Very high quality crime suspense film. Fincher does very good when he's working with talent, as in this film. The cinematography and digital camerawork is almost impeccable. A massive undertaking that does not disappoint.
2	BudLeonard	100 _94th
The best film of 2007.
2	Manhatta	94 _86th
A great crime procedural, with some scary early scenes and then a lot of great detective work. An amazing true story.
2	andayb	75 _86th
fincher knows how to tell a story. despite its long running time. the movie manages to keep the attention till the end, which is a remarkable feat. The plot gradually gets out of hand, and leaves a lot of loose ends here and there, but that is actually the essence of the story. it keeps you in the limbo, guessing for hours on a case that was never solved. This is not se7en, nor fight club, but in a sense it's more mature and subtle.
2	paulofilmo	54 _10th
Really not my genre/script/actors (all awful). Too much nonsense talking and too many predictable shots/scenes. Only the scene at Vaughn's house held my interest.
2	AshWilliams	89 _87th
Mesmerizing movie and, yes, it worked so much better for focusing on the intricate details of the procedural. Leave it to Fincher to make every single detail count.
2	EgbertSouse	95 _89th
Immersive story, brilliantly plotted and acted, and scary.
2	FunkyAstro	75 _74th
What sort of ruined this for me was the fact that they focused on the red herring of the case for at least a half hour and made that the most intense part. I felt kind of cheated when that was all for nothing. If it was Arthur Lee Allen the whole time then why did they emphasize the projectionist and that "Rick" guy so much if it was just a false lead all along? Oh that's right, because they needed to have a creepy basement scene with an eccentric man and a protagonist running for his life.
2	sportyjay	83 _95th
It is long but i didn't notice the length when i was watching it, i was entertained throughout. Perhaps not knowing the outcome of the real events helped my enjoyment of the film because i was guessing who Zodiac was the whole time. There was also a lot of quality acting taking place here. Very solid all around.
2	FrederikA	85 _92nd
Fincher revisits the serial killer genre, but ventures down a more realistically somber road than he did with Seven. Though it may be less "pure" than Seven it offers a refreshing take on the agonizingly long, unrewarding and loose-ended hunt for a unknown serial killers.
2	billkerwin	89 _80th
This is an excellent film with a dozen good performances and superb period atmosphere. Downey, Gyllenhall and Ruffalo are all very fine.
2	lukey86	100 _93rd
The best film of the 00s. Every time I have watched this film I loved it more than before. It is such a wonderful film. A shame that Oscar ignored it.
2	Kingjohnbbq	80 _37th
(spoilers) I liked learning all over again about the Zodiac from the perspective of this film. Such an interesting case, but with no real climax (considering he was never caught) it definitely teeters off. Not really the movies fault, but still the subject material makes for a lackluster ending where we all end up feeling just as empty as the characters in the movie.
2	MArkjp	90 _90th
One of Finchers best. Dedication turning to obsession in a slow burning bad dream. An unpleasant atmosphere that'll stick with you for days if not longer.
2	hellboy76	73 _89th
Excellent crime thriller that shows Fincher continuing to mature into one of the better directors working today. Is insanely long but really only drags in a few places.
2	guy piranha	65 _53rd
It has every upside that fincher's directing can offer, yet the material does not allow it to be more than an enhanced documentary. Which wouldn't be a bad thing, if it could offer more than clichéd murder routines and some semi-interesting characters poking around in the dark.
2	Scorpus	87 _87th
An incredible thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat for most of the film
2	Seethruskin	7 _99th
Every obsession that you let get out of hand leads you to one point. You're friend/familyless staring at an old fat man in a hardware store. One of the best Hollywood films of the past 30(?)Years and for sure the best ending.
2	dmbbearcat	88 _83rd
Underrated and just really well-done. But we expect nothing less from David Fincher, who has established himself as one of Hollywood's premier directors.
2	3dRevelation	70 _47th
I find much of this kind of unremarkable. Sure it's an interesting story, but the film is kind of painstaking until Gyllenhaal's character becomes obsessed and the film picks up a bit. I know it's based on a book, but if I wanted an extensive case history, I would rather it come from a documentary.
2	joel-w-m	8 _81st
Too long? Nah, could've used another hour-I mean, that's how long I spent googling the Zodiac afterwards anyways. It's that sort of mystery-complex, endless, with countless players and procedures to dissect, and the film with its excellent technique, turns, and script (the time jumps feel natural; the third-act lens shift to Graysmith works well; Avery's arc feels like it's cut short though) captures it all with a remarkable sense of cohesion (a couple loose threads along the way) and momentum.
2	Corbad	65 _43rd
Feels even longer than its 150 minutes, like two films back-to-back, and the second film is deep in the shadow of the first: Graysmith's self-insert obsession simply isn't as interesting as the original investigation. While both films are polished and skillfully crafted, the final hour really drags and I have to wonder if the narrative conceit of the desperate writer is the mistake.
2	vv238	83 _89th
David Fincher takes the tale of the Zodiac Killer and stretches it to the point of tedium but it is still too engaging to notice. The casting is superb as everyone so effortlessly slips into their characters. The pace is hypnotic and it sucks you into this dark underworld which exists right before us. My only complaint is that the plot occasionally loses momentum but this is a small complaint.
2	MaryPlayfair	70 _42nd
Robert Downey Junior plays a Robert Downey Junior type much to the chagrin of me
2	dogeatmoon	80 _77th
A concerning lack of Ted Cruz...
2	WalterMitty	83 _77th
The rhythm isn't particularly high, and the character's presence is unbalanced. Anyway, even watching the director's cut version I was glued to the screen for the entire duration: Fincher knows how to entertain the spectator, even without a single action scene, narrating the obsessions of the people with thrilling talent
1	mdruskin	71 _34th
Well made and well acted, but there is no dramatic arc at all. Events just happen one after the other and the movie starts to look more like a documentary. Unless you are interested in The Zodiac enough to spend almost 3 hours on a documentary about him, you should skip this one...
1	max22	100 _91st
A trio of stellar performances only add to Fincher's terrific directing work here; over 150 minutes and it never drags for a single one. It may be a new classic.
1	RUIMJO	84 _93rd
Intense, slow & hypnotic mystery thriller
1	Jherman89	88 _89th
David Fincher adds another impressive notch to his belt with Zodiac.
1	lpelliott	91 _85th
This movie breaks the boring mystery/suspense mold of a tidy story arc followed by a twist, and does so by sticking to the intriguing facts of this one of a kind case.
1	FlorVdE	1 _18th
Some very good parts but could have used tighter editing. Gyllenhaal & Sevigny's characters also don't seem to visibly age, which is disorienting.
1	teknicolor	85 _83rd
It dragged on a bit towards the end, but a thoroughly compelling movie nonetheless.
1	Askail	81 _91st
Beautiful. The lenght of the film is a strenght, not a burden.
1	nutcrackr	71 _44th
Too many characters without substantial depth and ultimately too thinly spread over the years.
1	Paradiselost	85 _87th
This is a fantastic movie, my only quarrel with it is its long running time, especially at the 90-minute mark the movie loses its momentum. However it manages to pick it up again later. Go rent this movie.
1	th_mertens	68 _45th
Well acted and nice tension build ups, but also not flawless. Sometimes it's unclear who the main character is, is it Jake Gyllenhaal, RD Jr, Mark Ruffalo? Normally I don't have a problem with multiple characters, but in zodiac the 1st and last part seem to be for Jake, 2nd RD Jr & somewhere in the middle you have Mark Ruffalo getting his alone (screen)time. Another problem for me was the time frame. Zodiac tells a story that streches 2decades, but you never get the feeling of time passing by.
1	angrypierre	85 _85th
A smart piece that's less murder schlock violence, and more obsession compulsion thinking. Not so much about the killer himself as it is about the various people trying to unmask him. Fascinating.
1	LennyNero	95 _96th
Almost a perfect movie.
1	AFlickering	5 _75th
maybe 'cause it's my first viewing since MEMORIES OF MURDER became a favourite, but it's more over-written and acted then i remembered in a '70s hollywood kinda way. still love how it's shot, paced and the overall frustrating chilling shape of it. john carroll lynch dominates my memory of the film so it blew my mind to discover he essentially just has one speaking scene in the whole thing. really brings to life that toschi quote: "soon as that guy walked in the door, I knew it was him".
1	frankswild	70 _51st
Its probably by design to reflect the nature of the investigation but this movie was way longer than I was expecting. I would say it was too long
1	MJVmovieMan	91 _95th
A haunting near-masterpiece from David Fincher. The movie has a lasting chill not soon forgotten. One of 2007's ten best.
1	JooJoo	5 _80th
Fincher is in full form with his return to the crime/mystery/thriller fold. Once you get past the beginning teases, the frustration and confusion of this entire thing is just constant; so much ground covered & I still wanted more. Absolutely rock-solid cast, production design, and a narrative steeped in procedure & investigation [much akin to JFK].
1	Huychu	97 _95th
David Fincher leaves his bag of stylistic tricks behind, and manages to create a nearly three-hour film, composed entirely of talking heads and completely devoid of any killings in the second half of the runtime, that is entirely riveting, with a constant sense of dread and danger pervading the place.
1	shahness	71 _71st
A near great film that gets hunkered down in its effort to be too comprehensive in chronicling the Zodiac murders. It's not until about the second half that the narrative starts gathering focus and momentum when Gyllenhaal, as Graysmith, steps up to the plate to solve the case. Despite the all-star cast, only Downey Jr. turns in a performance worth mentioning. Though the cinematography is eerie and beautiful, it does little to help Fincher in establishing a consisent tone for the film.
1	hehheh	5 _95th
One of the best of 2000s.
1	fart	59 _31st
Just saw it. It's really irrelevant, but i couldn't stop watching. About an hour too long.
1	lavos222	90 _81st
Excellent. Acting, direction, soundtrack, costumes, everything was really top-notch. Really interestingly plotted for a crime thriller.
1	Dustyd	50 _22nd
Good looking but overalong film doesn't deliver much suspense.
1	jonny_boy	70 _56th
Nice performances and interesting story. Too bad this is more drama than thriller and maybe half an hour too long.
1	Bitch Alert	80 _78th
Long and shallow but still managed to keep me interested. Doesn't look like anything Fincher's done in the past, which shows he has versatility. Strong performances and strong cinematography.
1	Maya	85 _97th
A great movie, I sat pinned to my seat through the whole film.
1	Esmerodo	100 _98th
This film haunts and fascinates me as an exploration of a serial killer and a young reporter obsessed by finding him. You will never listen to Donovan's "Hurdy Gurdy Man" in quite the same way. Robert Downer Jr. as an older cynical reporter plays off the naive Jake Gyllenhaal quite successfully, though Downey's scenes are relatively brief. I adore Mark Ruffalo as the cop tasked with tracking the Zodiac Killer. More films need a Mark Ruffalo in them.
1	lumpnboy	65 _75th
Probably my favorite Fincher movie.
1	Vandelay1	86 _95th
very nice movie
1	Zealot185	90 _90th
Don't be turned off by the long run-time. Fincher sheds light on every single detail about the famed American serial killer to the point of obsessiveness. You can't help but become as engrossed in the mystery as Gyllenhaal's character.
1	Va3H	70 _10th
Fincher's attention to detail of the late 60s and early 70s is the standout point in Zodiac. From the attire to the music, Fincher tries to immerse the viewer into an otherwise monotonous and dull story. A rather, lengthy film that feels like two disjointed parts trying seamlessly blending as a whole. The former half, grows tiresome and uninteresting, whereas, the latter half, tries to recover lost ground and build up steam but forgets that the train has left already.
1	LynchMidget	90 _84th
Disappearing into Fincher's world of obsession. Zodiac is fantastic and chilling.
1	jombroni	82 _59th
You get what you expect, plus a little more. Very good.
1	Waldheri	90 _90th
This one was very good and made the list of best films in 2007. It had everything a good thriller needs: suspense, murder and mystery.
1	Indicam	85 _92nd
Very much enjoyed this film. Unfortunately I saw it on 22 hour flight. Worth the time and attention.
1	wanderkid	70 _31st
Didn't like this as much as everyone else, didn't like the story structure.
1	moraesfelipe	100 _99th
So elegant, creepy and fascinating in every possible way. Perfect portrait of cumulative obsession through journalism, detective work and cinephilia, scrapped, scattered information, deceiving clues, our universal enchantment with horrors of mankind -- we all think they ultimately mean something, but they all end up being futile, somewhat empty, vain, born out of paranoid, their outcome is inconclusive. All is deception. Serial killer folklore shot with the austerity of a procedural report.
1	wanted	95 _95th
The different ''serial killer'' thriller...And again:by David Fincher.
1	Hadleyreis	88 _91st
But what does 88 mean?
1	begoniabol	90 _95th
It's thrilling, interesting, exciting. A long movie, but I thought it was absolutely fantastic. Ruffalo is great and Gyllenhaal is awesome too (and very cute). My kind of movie
1	WWallce4prez	86 _89th
As the ultimate of procedural thrillers, Zodiac is slow burn. Fincher's attention to detail is mesmerizing as we glimpse into those who need to solve puzzles for the sake of having something to solve. The beatifully photographed picture of day-to-day life in 1960s San Fran is a breath of fresh air compared to the endless images of hippies and the counter culture that we usually see.
1	Melvin Smif	80 _88th
I think we have this movie to thank for Robert Downey Jr. being in Iron Man, so bravo on that front. Also a great movie.
1	marc01	90 _81st
David Fincher reinvented himself and serial killer movies. A new classic.
1	CosmicMonkey	93 _97th
Easily David Fincher's Most under-rated movie.
1	Ocelot	85 _94th
It's somewhat superfluous for Fincher to continue making crime thrillers. He perfected them here.
1	chiefg	85 _88th
Engaging, with an impeccably paced beginning, but it tends to drag on in the end without a real climax.
1	suman.austin	81 _73rd
This movie could have been one of the best Suspense-Thrillers if it was fictious and had a gripping climax like that of Se7en, but still it was good for a movie based on real events. But I felt it was a bit slow-paced at times.
1	brandt64	75 _55th
Its pacing was the biggest issue I had with this one. Mystery fans will love it.
1	fibonacci	85 _71st
The only real problem here is length.
1	Okkervil	72 _71st
Undoubtedly very well made, with some highly competent performances, "Zodiac" is a fascinating watch. That said it left me with a unsatisfied feeling. The are times during this movies runtime, which is far too long, that it really does lack a sense of direction and purpose. None-the-less a high class crime thriller.
1	Judge Holden	8 _94th
A consistently moody and imaginative film that remains compelling throughout its 3 hour run-time. The opening sequences feature some of the most blood-curdling murder scenes Fincher has ever crafted. The investigation portion is just as engaging.
1	Judo Koala	76 _61st
Over the course of three different decades, Jake Gyllenhaal not once changes his general appearance. Give me a break.
1	michaelsykes	93 _97th
A masterclass in mood.
1	sophiamoon	75 _43rd
Fincher is a master, but this is a film about people interested in a serial killer, not about a serial killer. And these people aren't tremendously interesting. Fincher does his best with a flawed tale.
1	tinysausage	74 _57th
I enjoyed this more on the second viewing, it succeeds in creating a gripping narrative out of a morass of inconclusive evidence. It is also beautifully lit and photographed.
1	BionicNinjas	90 _83rd
One of Fincher's best, a slow burn thriller that relies more on dialog and characterization than cheap tricks, with a satisfyingly disappointing ending.
1	thatyoungm	83 _24th
As a film, Zodiac is at the top of its craft, expertly directed by Fincher and with every intricate detail of the long investigation detailed. That may be where the movie gets derailed as entertainment, as it does drag at parts as Fincher lingers on some of the investigation's minutia. Gylenhaal and Downey Jr. hold a lot of the film together with their twin spirals into obsession with the case, but I do feel the film could have benefited from some shaving in editing.
1	redacted	90 _92nd
This film had a J.F.K. feel to it. Showing every piece of evidence to allow the audience to sway between suspects. Enjoyed Finchers little nod to the audience in the confrontation scene. Just the slightest drop in Liegh's face with realization, enough to show who the director may lay the blame on if asked.
1	Mr. Film	90 _73rd
David Fincher's dark murder thriller is one of 2007's best
1	PetrosTser	70 _66th
It is slow-moving at times yet somehow still in a bit of a rush to cram all the facts in (for instance, the investigation's obsessive nature is an interesting side of the movie but never gets to sink in as much as it could). But it's also well-directed, intriguing and boosted by a very good cast. The absence of any redeeming finale, given that Zodiac's identity remains unknown in real life, is arguably its Achilles heel, although the tense Marshall/Vaughn subplot does act in lieu of a crescendo.
1	Syntheseizur	86 _86th
More than Seven or Dragon Tattoo, this is Fincher's great procedural epic, charting across decades with a cast of unique characters, charged moments of suspense, and plenty of investigative intrigue, woven together in a perfectly balanced package.
1	a.carsten	85 _69th
A dialogue-heavy lengthy movie that builds up its value through a superb directing by Fincher and a carefully crafted, Noir-like, 70s atmosphere.
1	Noblet	87 _89th
Tons of interesting characters, fantastic dialogue, beautifully shot.
1	Darren	99 _99th
One of a kind in the way it examines a AMERICAN obsession with violence, celebrity and the way media intersect with it. How American media mythologizes violence to a point where it doesn’t even matter if the zodiac is a real person they’re already making movies. each character has a downfall beset by the zodiac even if they don’t see it. Wouldn’t be obsession if you could see the downfall. The movie aesthetically intertwined with the history of crime and Bay Area movies/fincher’s own obsessions.
1	thegreyfox	80 _74th
The problem with this story is that just about everybody; the cops, even the perp, had lost all interest in it way before the 20yrs time frame depicted. Its only the obsession of a few, and the strange ciphers involved, that make it anything other than a routine story of a few unsolved murders. It is to Finchers credit that he is able to make a 2.5hr film out of this, which is gripping, and intiquing. The audio let the film down, as I struggled to hear what was being said, but thats not unique!
1	braddad68	96 _91st
Sorry it took me so long to see this one. Great ensemble cast and a compelling drama about a real life serial killer.
1	Fresh	89 _73rd
A quiet, dialogue-driven thriller that delivers with scene after scene of gut-wrenching anxiety. David Fincher also spends more time illustrating nuances of his characters and recreating the mood of the 70s than he does on gory details of murder.
1	bmilky	93 _97th
insane good!
1	myfavchords	78 _69th
This is a good movie that is different then the director's other work. The cast is great, especially Robert Downey Jr in a supporting role. The story spans many years and covers a lot of ground.
1	Paxton	64 _42nd
Procedural. It's a terrifying story, but Fincher focuses so closely on the investigation that it loses its potency. I accept directing perfection when it is overtly beautiful, otherwise, I want a well paced story.
1	comepelicula	75 _81st
Incredible well done you are submerged in this world of mystery and in the character's life, you feel the obsession and you are also putting clues together to see the end of this horrific mystery. The second time I watched it got better.
1	Knackys	78 _85th
You should watch the Director's Cut.
1	Ag0stoMesmer	1 _20th
Every time it built any kind of tension or momentum something goofy yanked me back out.
1	SweetMortal	67 _9th
The main thing that got me was whether this was supposed to be a thriller or a mystery suspense, because it kind of got me thinking, 'where's the real focus?'. It was slow, boring, and lacked interest for something about a mysterious killer. I was especially disappointed in the leads, who I know to be very good actors, of which a few were criminally misused.
1	fra paolo	51 _54th
A solid if unspectacular contribution to the Capra school of film-making, in that the dogged amateur is more likely to find the correct answer than the cynical professional.
1	QtheAlmighty	85 _75th
For a while I thought it was an unfocused behemoth of a film, but after that while, it dawned on me that the film was less about the Zodiac Killer and more about how he killed several hobbyists' and investigators' careers, wills, and lives with the obsession his elusive and perhaps overall lucky nature wrought. A bit long, but really really good.
1	Nepeta	85 _80th
As the film proceeds the main character's obsession just starts to feel so helpless and hopeless, as a look at uncontrollable obsession it is excellent and the film manages to remain very engaging even as the killings subside and the trail of clues starts to dry up. It's sprawling but that's the point, and the film manages to work in quite a bit of comedy (the second killing in particular is creepy as hell yet very darkly comic) and tension in to the tale. Fincher should make more like this.
1	LookJabba...	8 _76th
Zodiac is another smart, engaging and impressively well made thriller from David Fincher. As expected the overall direction is flawless, the cinematography & lighting is stunning and the script is smartly written. Also the performances throughout are impressive with Gylenhaal, Ruffalo & Downey Jr. the most notable standouts. My only minor criticism is there are pacing issues, but I suppose that's a reflection of the amount of time that the real life and still unsolved mystery has spanned across.
1	Yiannos	75 _84th
(Viewed on 13/12/13):Zodiac is an exceptionally crafted film, but the film has nothing substantial to say about Graysmith's obsession or how it impacted his personal life; and it isn't about the elusiveness of truth either because the killer's existence is treated as a given. Just what is it about then? A man's relentless pursuit of a ghost like figure who ruthlessly taunts his pursuers. Fincher's recreation of a specific time and place, of a city gripped by fear, is the obvious highlight.
1	Armilio	70 _63rd
A good thriller, better than Seven because Fincher has improved with time. That's it.
1	hakkanarejo	95 _63rd
In the late 1960s and 1970s, fear grips the city of San Francisco as a serial killer called Zodiac stalks its residents. Investigators (Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards) and reporters (Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr.) become obsessed with learning the killer's identity and bringing him to justice. Meanwhile, Zodiac claims victim after victim and taunts the authorities with cryptic messages, cyphers and menacing phone calls.
1	EvilMangoes	96 _90th
A
1	hughesj11	90 _93rd
A tense picture that is gripping and entertaining which showcases David Fincher's ability to bring to life true stories.
1	Zangin	77 _77th
Does an amazing job of subverting traditional mystery norms to tell a fascinating story that's more about the investigators of the Zodiac killer than the killer himself. Very well done.
1	raggabrash	8 _46th
David Fincher has managed to create a dark, intense and fascinating movie based on the gruesome real life killings. There are a few very well executed tense scenes, the performances are realistic and believable. And, in my opinion, the long runtime works to its advantage and makes the viewers yearn for closure.
1	kito1	60 _48th
Moves slowly forward, but I didn't find it boring. It doesn't overact anything.
1	NickTheo	100 _97th
One of the best psychological thrillers ever made.David Fincher delivers yet again another super intense,brilliantly crafted film that's about one of the most famous unsolved mysteries of the 20th century,a mystery so intriguing and so well portrayed that you get as obsessed with it as the main characters do.
1	Pratchett3	8 _72nd
good. blatant color-grading though.
1	NathanBates	80 _77th
Rather daring to make a movie about a real serial killer and then turn it into (what could be a boring) police procedural, especially one based on an as-yet-unsolved set of murders. The second half, though, is oddly hypnotic, as we see how the killer's obsession is transferred to others. Ruffalo puts in a particularly noteworthy performance.
1	Mist600	73 _36th
I'm not an expert but I'd guess this is probably the best film that can be made of this topic. Direction, screenplay, performances...all = never below V high level professional & sometimes excellent. Morally respectable & respectful (as far as I know) of real life case & people. THAT is it's drawback as ENTERTAINMENT: it cannot, for me, totally capture or evoke desire 4 repeat viewings. There cannot be much fear/tension or resolution. So, I deeply admire but least enjoy this 1 of Fincher's films
1	Arberwaticus	87 _44th
A pretty interesting look into someone investigating the Zodiac Killer.
1	mwestcott	87 _70th
Zodiac is probably the slowest build of all David Fincher's films. Which can be off putting. It benefits from an amazing 1970s atmosphere and a thrilling fact based story. It can be hard to follow on occasion. But for those who are paying attention, the payoff is quiet but extremely effective.
1	feublo	75 _41st
Goes to show the truth of an event will change course of one's life pursuing the absolute. Love it's pace that gradually suspends you into obsession with the Zodiac.
1	peyrin	85 _90th
In light of recent evidence against Ted Cruz I feel like it's time we got a sequel.
1	ulffers1	85 _44th
Great, intriguing, a little slow on the back end.
1	marcelloc2	70 _42nd
The movie is really long, slow and could use some action to spice it up or, really, anything but the boredom they chose. But the story is good enough for me to consider it an "alright" movie.
1	edward	22 _30th
Great cast with a dull story that drags and drags, and then it's over. There isn't much else to say. The first 20 minutes are done very well, particularly with how the murder scenes are handled, but it quickly nosedives and never redeems itself. Clocking in at 2.5 hours is absurd. There isn't nearly enough material to fill the space. It loses focus and gets distracted on a continuous loop. I get that the film is trying to elicit the frustration, but that doesn't make for an entertaining film.
1	Bondy	8 _86th
How can people be so heartless?
1	despovoador	75 _65th
one of the top 3 donnie darko timelines
1	Ajayw	74 _68th
A great cast and good story. It slows down a bit towards the end and could be 30 -45 mins shorter, but entertaining nonetheless.
1	SolomonBurrr	81 _78th
81.4
1	flshmb	90 _80th
Suspenseful throughout the movie. The character of R. Downey Jr. could have had a more prominent role in the second half.
1	mixmaxter	80 _44th
damn, hard to believe it really is ted cruz
1	DaBigBaby	86 _48th
Very good movie in the mystery genre. based on a series of true events. which makes the ending a bit disappointing.
1	fuatarslan	70 _6th
Needlesly long.
1	Soixist	87 _82nd
Really Good
1	hssnozdagg	85 _82nd
Hard to make such admirable achievement with a dead-ended murderer story.

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Average Percentile 61.79% from 10835 Ratings