.....so.....



anyone who knows me well knows how obsessed i am with True Crime books and stories/reports, but more directly how obsessed i am with the serial killer/mass murderer phenomenon.  and, anyone who knows me well will also know that my favorite case in all the history of this subject is the Zodiac case.  partly because it all took place in cities near where i've almost always lived, but also because, as far as i'm concerned, it has the most interesting story.  i've read a few different books on the subject, and i am proud to note that i know the case rather well.  i have read many other serial killer/mass murderer cases, but the Zodiac is one i revisit whenever i have the chance.  case in point, i've read Robert Goldsmith's "Zodiac" many many times since i was about 12, when my obsession began.  so, you can imagine my excitement when i learned that my favorite director (David Fincher) was making a Zodiac movie!  so so crazed, ready, willing and able to watch this film a million times a week!  so, needless to say, Jared and I saw the VERY FIRST showing locally (at 11:30 this morning) of the film!



i have to say that i really REALLY loved this film - it's 100% acurate with the case, not embellishing anywhere too much for dramatic effect (a point that makes it drag *just a little bit* after the hour and 1/2 mark, where there were no more clues or Zodiac letters for a bit - thought it does pick up real soon after!).....all in all, a really well done film about an amazing case that seems more and more unreal the more you learn about it!  and major kudos to Fincher for choosing to shoot this film with an easy eye, void of any real strong "style" parts, which Fincher is known for in such films as "Fight Club", "the Game", and "Seven".  except for a bit of stylistic flair while the team of investigators are obsessed and running through Zodiac's corresponence, there is very little directing choices that stand out - Fincher really let the story/case speak for itself, himself taking a style 'back seat', letting the fact mesmerize you instead of the near headache inducing style war that was "Fight Club", though i seriously LOVE that movie, as well!  Fincher is a real hardcore director, choosing at times to spell you out with style and tricks, then busting out with such slightly "normally" directing on his past 2 films (2002's "Panic Room" & the new "Zodiac").  strange that it took nearly 5 years for Fincher to come back from "Panic Room", which was a film i liked more or less, though it has it's flaws.



either way, it was a rather rad run through the Zodiac case, one that got me excited in the way only this case can do.....



catch it if you can!  though i do suggest a heavy reading of Graysmioth's "Zodiac" book, directly before or after you view this film - it really is a landmark in True Crime literature.



after i finish my very first reading of Thomas Harris' "red Dragon", i might hit up my old school "Zodiac" book, or maybe pick up the new edition with chapters added about the filming of the film.....



.....or i might go back to some Bukowski, having just borrowed "Women" from a friend.....



decisions, decisions.....!