For the 2007 film starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr., see
Zodiac (film).
The Zodiac is a 2006 mystery/psychological thriller, Horror film based on the true events associated with the Zodiac: a serial killer who was active in and around northern California in the 1960s and who has never been captured. The Zodiac was directed by Alexander Bulkley and written by him and his brother, Kelley Bulkley.
The film was released on March 17, 2006 into just 10 theaters on limited release[2] (with an R-rating by the MPAA)[3] and later released on DVD in North America on August 29, 2006.[4] The DVD hit the UK market on September 18.[5]
Plot
When two teenagers are gunned down on Lake Helena Road[6] on December 20th 1968, the small town is thrown into a state of terror. Assigned to the case is Police Detective Matt Parish (Justin Chambers)[7] of the Vallejo Police Department. With few leads, the case goes unsolved and the emotional attachment causes heartache for Parish's family; wife Laura (Robin Tunney)[7] and twelve-year-old son (Rory Culkin)[7].
Six months later on July 4 - as Det. Parish begins to lose hope - the Zodiac strikes again. This time he's gunned down a couple in a deserted parking lot. He's inches away as he pulls the trigger, but he never reveals his true identity. Just an hour after the shooting, the Vallejo Police Department receives an anonymous call, confessing to the murders that have just taken place. Days after the second murder. a letter is sent to Bay Area newspaper, the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Francisco Examiner, threatening that 12 more people will die unless the three papers print the encoded letter they've just received. The killer reveals that if they can decipher the note, his true identity will be revealed.
The media publicity grows when three different newspapers receive the ciphered letter.
It becomes an obsession for Det. Parish to solve the case. He spends all his time with the coded sheet, sketches composed of the killer and various psychological reports, putting a greater strain on his family. The ever increasing publicity pushes him to the edge. When Parish receives more anonymous calls and ciphered letters (some suggesting the threatening chance that his next victim could be one of Parish's family), he thinks he's got his suspect. Disobeying orders by Chief Frank Perkins (Philip Baker Hall)[7] he goes in search for the killer. When he storms into the suspect's house, his allegations are shattered because the man has no relation to the murders.
The Police later hear of more killings, but the case doesn't get anywhere close to being resolved. On April 24th 1978, ten years after the first reported murder, the Chronicle receives another letter asking:
| “ |
I'm waiting for a good movie about me. Who will play me…? This is the Zodiac. I am now in control of all things. |
” |
The film ends with the statement that the killer has never been captured.
Cast and characters
Johnny (played by
Rory Culkin) becomes intrigued with the killer.
- Justin Chambers - Det. Matt Parish
Matt Parish is the main character of the story, and his emotions play a large role in the development of the story and his character. He's well respected, confident, and has a good mind when it comes to 'catching the criminal'. He tends to do things how he wants, and doesn't take much notice of his Chief.
- Robin Tunney - Laura Parish
Laura Parish (wife to Matt Parish) is seen throughout the film comforting her husband. It is in these situations that we see the affects of the case on the family, and Matt's true emotions are revealed. She makes every attempt to stop her son reading into the case.
- Rory Culkin - Johnny Parish
Johnny Parish (son of Matt and Laura Parish) has a marginally small role to play in the film, but he's very interested in the case, and at many times, hassles his dad for an insight into how the case is progressing.
- Philip Baker Hall - Chief Frank Perkins
Frank Perkins is the Police Department's chief and is the head of the operations, at times he tries to stop Matt doing certain things, but evidently, Matt does what he wants.
- Brian Bloom - Zodiac Killer (voice)
We hear his voice many times throughout the film in phone calls and letters.
- Brad Henke - Bill Gregory
- Marty Lindsey - Zodiac Killer
The Zodiac Killer is a very mysterious character. Throughout the whole movie, the viewer will never catch a glimpse of his face, but his sense and presences is always there. He kills just over four people in the film, and threatens to kill a further twelve.
- Rex Linn - Jim Martinez
- William Mapother - Dale Coverling
Dale Coverling is the news reporter who is seen throughout the film with Matt Parish when he makes statements on the cases progress. (He can be seen in the above picture: "The media publicity grows...receive the ciphered letter.")
Production
Research
The two Bulkley brothers, and producer Corey Campodonico all grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. When they wanted to make their debut onto the filmmakers scene, and all figured it was a great story to adapt due to their history and knowledge of the location.[8]
In an interview with Rotten Tomatoes Alexander Bulkley said:
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I lived in the Bay Area where he was somewhat of a local legend. Every town has a 'boogie man' and he was ours. The stories of the murders kept us kids awake at night. |
” |
With their idea in mind, Alexander and Kelly set about researching reports and documents related to the Zodiac story. They managed to find their main source of information from newspapers and media articles from around the time to fuel the project.[8] They finally decided upon telling the story of the Detective involved on the case, and how it affected himself and family. They felt that it would be more emotional to the viewers, helping with their interaction in the story, than following the psychological path of the Killer.[9]
They chose very distinct routes in the film, avoiding areas like the impact of the killings on the family. They say it was due to the killer's interest in the murders he committed, because he was never really interested in who his victims were.[9]
The filmmakers main challenge was to keep the originality of the film, and to keep it authentic to the story. When questioned about this by Emanuel Levy (an online movie review site) they responded with:
| “ |
For many people making films based on true stories, it is always tempting to veer off into the fictional world to satisfy story elements. It was very challenging to maintain the integrity of the true story. We had a certain amount of events that we knew had occurred to create the composite characters for the law enforcement officers. In the end I think we were able to achieve our goal and a lot of true crime fanatics will really appreciate the film. |
” |
Once the screenplay was written by the Bulkley brothers, and Corey Campodonico, they gathered investors to finance the project and made it ShadowMachine Films first ever film production, which the three of them founded.[8]
Filming
The filming began and lasted just 23 days. The Zodiac was filmed on location in Vallejo, San Francisco, where a large majority of the murders were committed. The film was finally released on March 17, 2006 in just 10 movie cinemas.
Problems
With the low budget they had, the film crew found it increasingly hard to make what they had written. Being set in the 60's caused a great deal of problems due to fancy cars and street settings. The problem was ultimately solved by their production designer and costume designer who helped to recreate the sets.[7][9]
Soundtrack
The film contained various different musical compositions that accompanied different scenes from the movie. Some of the music had already been used in films such as; Terminator 2: Judgment Day.[6]
The soundtrack contains some of the following pieces by Andy Williams, The Chambers Brothers, William S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan:
Critical Reaction
The film was widely panned by critics. The Rotten Tomatoes website, which compiles mostly North American reviews, showed that just seven out of 28 reviews were positive, with the average critic's grade being four out of ten.[14]
The website classed the film as just 27% fresh,[14] with users giving it a fresher rating of 58%.[15]
References
External links
