Detailed Summary
The Opening Attack
On July 4, 1969, a young couple, Darlene Ferrin and Mike Mageau, are brutally attacked by a mysterious assailant at a lovers’ lane in Vallejo, California. This marks the beginning of a series of attacks attributed to the Zodiac Killer.
The Zodiac’s Letters
The Zodiac Killer begins sending cryptic letters and ciphers to major newspapers, including the San Francisco Chronicle. These letters taunt the police and public, detailing his crimes and threatening future attacks.
The Investigation Begins
San Francisco Chronicle cartoonist Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal) becomes fascinated by the case, despite having no formal training in criminology. Crime reporter Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr.) initially covers the story but eventually becomes disillusioned and fearful for his life as the Zodiac continues to taunt him directly.
The Lake Berryessa Attack
The Zodiac Killer strikes again, attacking Bryan Hartnell and Cecelia Shepard at Lake Berryessa. The killer wears an executioner-style hood and leaves a message on their car door, further establishing his eerie and methodical nature.
The San Francisco Killing
The Zodiac’s next confirmed murder occurs in San Francisco, where he kills taxi driver Paul Stine. This time, he sends a piece of Stine’s shirt to the Chronicle, proving he was responsible.
The Cryptic Ciphers
Graysmith becomes increasingly obsessed with the Zodiac’s ciphers, working tirelessly to decode them. He forms an unlikely partnership with Avery, who provides him with insights and access to police files.
Arthur Leigh Allen
Police investigations focus on several suspects, with the primary focus on Arthur Leigh Allen (John Carroll Lynch), a convicted child molester. Despite circumstantial evidence linking Allen to the Zodiac, no conclusive proof is found.
Graysmith’s Pursuit
Years pass, and Graysmith’s obsession with the case grows. His marriage suffers, and he quits his job at the Chronicle to devote himself full-time to uncovering the Zodiac’s identity. He writes a book detailing his findings and theories.
The Near Encounter
In a tense scene, Graysmith believes he is close to confronting the Zodiac Killer but ultimately remains uncertain. The film ends with Graysmith’s book being published and the case remaining officially unsolved.
Movie Ending
The film concludes with a sense of unresolved tension. Robert Graysmith’s book on the Zodiac Killer brings some closure to the characters, but the killer’s identity remains a mystery. In a postscript, it’s revealed that Arthur Leigh Allen was never conclusively proven to be the Zodiac Killer and died before he could be definitively linked to the crimes.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Zodiac” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
“Zodiac” is a crime thriller based on true events, focusing on the investigations of the infamous Zodiac Killer.
Cast
- Jake Gyllenhaal as Robert Graysmith
- Mark Ruffalo as Inspector David Toschi
- Robert Downey Jr. as Paul Avery
- Anthony Edwards as Inspector William Armstrong
- Brian Cox as Melvin Belli
- John Carroll Lynch as Arthur Leigh Allen
- Chloë Sevigny as Melanie Graysmith
- Elias Koteas as Sergeant Jack Mulanax
Film Music and Composer
The film’s music was composed by David Shire. The soundtrack features period-appropriate songs that enhance the atmosphere of the 1960s and 1970s setting.
Filming Locations
- San Francisco, California: Various real locations where the Zodiac crimes took place.
- Vallejo, California: The site of some of the Zodiac’s initial attacks.
- Riverside, California: Filmed to represent different parts of the Zodiac’s crime spree.
These locations add authenticity to the film, grounding it in the real places where the events occurred.
Awards and Nominations
- Critics’ Choice Movie Awards: Nominated for Best Picture.
- Satellite Awards: Nominated for Best Director (David Fincher) and Best Actor (Jake Gyllenhaal).
- Empire Awards: Won Best Director (David Fincher).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Director David Fincher was meticulous in recreating the era, down to the smallest details, including using original police reports and documents.
- Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr. were heavily involved in researching their roles, meeting with the real Robert Graysmith and Paul Avery.
- Fincher’s dedication to authenticity included filming scenes at actual Zodiac crime locations and using digital effects to recreate 1970s San Francisco.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The film is based on the non-fiction book “Zodiac” by Robert Graysmith.
- True Crime: The film draws directly from police reports, newspaper articles, and firsthand accounts of the Zodiac’s crimes.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no widely known alternate endings for “Zodiac.” The film’s narrative remains true to the unresolved nature of the real-life case.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- Faithful Adaptation: The film closely follows Robert Graysmith’s books “Zodiac” and “Zodiac Unmasked.”
- Condensed Timeline: The film condenses the timeline of events for narrative cohesion, though it remains largely accurate to the source material.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Lake Berryessa Attack: The chilling scene where the Zodiac attacks a couple by the lake, showcasing his methodical brutality.
- The Basement Scene: Graysmith’s tense encounter in a basement, where he believes he is close to the Zodiac Killer.
- Paul Stine’s Murder: The meticulously recreated scene of the Zodiac killing the taxi driver in San Francisco.
Iconic Quotes
- “I like killing people because it is so much fun.” – Zodiac Killer (from one of his letters)
- “There’s more than one way to lose your life to a killer.” – Robert Graysmith
- “I need to stand there, I need to look him in the eye, and I need to know that it’s him.” – Robert Graysmith
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film features subtle nods to David Fincher’s other works, such as similar visual styles and thematic elements.
- The portrayal of the Zodiac Killer changes subtly depending on who is recounting the events, reflecting the uncertainty and differing perspectives of the witnesses.
Trivia
- David Fincher’s meticulous approach included filming up to 70 takes for some scenes to achieve the perfect shot.
- The real Robert Graysmith and David Toschi served as consultants on the film.
- The film’s production faced delays due to the detailed research and commitment to accuracy.
Why Watch?
“Zodiac” is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, combining meticulous research with compelling performances. It’s a deep dive into one of America’s most infamous unsolved cases, capturing the obsession and frustration of those who sought to bring the Zodiac Killer to justice.
