Zodiac: An Unsolved Mystery of 58 Years

Written by Gia Braden

Zodiac, released in early March of 2007 features award-winning actors Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr., and many more. Journalists at the San Francisco Chronicle cover parts of the infamous Zodiac killings led in the late 1960s and 1970s. During this time period, questionable letters are delivered to the SF main office and members of the Chronicle are determined to ‘crack the code’ on these strange zodiac ciphers. Throughout the movie, Robert Graysmith (newspaper cartoonist played by Jake Gyllenhaal), goes on a years worth of diving to uncover who the Zodiac serial killer is. Along with Dave Toschi (lead inspector on the case played by Mark Ruffalo) and Paul Avery (crime reporter played by Robert Downey Jr.), all three men are involved in the investigation.

Jake Gyllenhaal has received many awards and has acted in the critically-acclaimed cult hit, Donnie Darko (2001). For his role in Zodiac, he is seen as very observant and quiet, compared to his role in the previous classic. As for the most part, Jake Gyllenhaal is widely considered the main character in this film, whereas he is extremely affected by his obsession with the Zodiac case. Additionally, Mark Ruffalo has starred in a series of movies with the most popular being the Marvel Universe, (Avengers (2012-2019) and 13 Going on 30 (2004)). Personality wise, he is ‘soft-spoken’ and curious, but also shifts to volatility and frustration by the excessive dead-ends in the catching of the killer. Thus, Robert Downey Jr., another very popular and beloved actor, is beyond witty and smart in this film, 

Zodiac killer pictured in Lake Berryessa, California

but also heavily relies on alcohol, causing his character to ultimately change mentally and physically. Downey has partaken in tons of roles with his #1 personality being Iron Man and working along with Mark Ruffalo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Moreover, the Director of Zodiac, David Fincher, was nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Action, Adventure or Thriller Film proving how well-made this film was.

Arthur Leigh Allen, the prime suspect in the Zodiac case is interviewed at his workplace, an elementary school. Arthur claims, "I am not the Zodiac. And if I was, I certainly wouldn't tell you." This chilling line had everyone at the edge of their seats. Though it wasn’t proven he was guilty, this case still lingers with further questioning being unsuccessful due to his sudden death. This movie is slow-paced, consisting of a little over 2 hours, but does go in depth of what the process was like to capture the active killer. The manhunt has lasted half a century with surrounding counties in the Northern California area such as Napa County, Solano County, and Vallejo County seeking any information.

This intensifying and suspenseful classic is rated R, primarily for the language, but also drug and killing material. This film is for more mature audiences or for those who need to watch with an adult. Very harsh and violent imagery is shown throughout for the murders committed by the Zodiac killer. Zodiac is able to watch for free on Pluto TV and subscriptions with Prime Video and Paramount Plus. I recommend this movie to anyone who is deeply fond of true crime and unsolved mysteries.