Review of Zodiac (2007) by Pradeep Chowdary P — 09 Mar 2013

Don't let this film's long running time scare you away; Zodiac is one of the most masterfully crafted mysteries to come around in the past decade. Thanks to an excellent screenplay and an all-star cast - Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr.

are all equally fantastic in their respective roles - the film is consistently able to keep the audience on edge for much of its two and a half hour running time. I think much of the success of the film is due to the direction of David Fincher, though; the film techniques he uses to build anxiety and increase the suspense are nothing short of brilliant, and the film itself moves at a perfect pace.

It rarely ever lingers, and always gives the audience just enough to chew on without growing bored. Unlike most mystery movies, you won't find the case closed in the end, but I think that's what makes Zodiac stand apart; this is a film that will linger in your mind for days to come, not for emotional performances, but for the nuanced characters, fantastic dialogue, and nail-biting suspense - just how it should be.