Zodiac

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

A few weeks ago I posted a thread about No Country for Old Men. Yes, Coens, i got it. I do understand the ending. yeah I got it. that doesn't mean i like it. People don't go to the movies for irony, especially when what they end up with IS irony.

A few days ago I watched Fincher's Zodiac, another film with an un resolved ending. Yet I agree with Ebert that the scene at the hardware store was one of the finest "endings" I've ever seen in a film. Fincher, the director, is one of the best filmmakers, if not the best, bar none, working today. This film was just done so well, and was very professional throughout. Let's not forget that it was a true story. Let's not forget that the characters were each individuals, that I wanted to know more about them, whereas in NCFOM I was like "well whatever.. I probably won't learn any more about these guys than their intRo scenes have to offer," and it turned out I was right.

That's my rant. Even if you hate serial killer movies (I'm not a huge fan, the genre is pretty worn out) Zodiac was excellent. I'm not sure if it was the best picture of the year (or even if it was nominated) but I would have been content it if won.

 

[Michael]

I loved the movie! It had a strong cast, innovative visuals (i.e. the bird's eye view of the taxi [still not sure how they did that]), wonderful soundtrack (this movie introduced me to the wonderful music of Donovan Leitch) and a cool Trek connection.

I'm still waiting for the promised Director's Cut though.

 

[Chindogu]

I'm still waiting for the promised Director's Cut though.

Link to Director's Cut

Great movie. I wish more films like this were produced now days. More emphasis on performance and atmosphere then spectacle and cheap thrills. If you like Zodiac then check out The Conversation.

 

[T'Baio]

(i.e. the bird's eye view of the taxi [still not sure how they did that])

Just simple CGI. Actually, you'd be surprised how much CG and digital replacement there is in the film. For instance, when they're at the taxi cab crime scene, that block looks very different than it did at the time, so they set up moving green screens and did digital replacement for the end of the street and some of the buildings. It's quite well done and seamless, and to me, better effects work than, say, Pirates of the Caribbean.

Zodiac was my favourite film of last year, but I don't understand the desire to compare it to No Country For Old Men. They're very differenct films. Also, I'm not quite sure I understand the statement re: irony.

 

[Emher]

Glad you liked it. Personally I still stand by that Zoidac was the best film of 2007 and I think it's an absolute disgrace that it wasn't nominated for a single Oscar.

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

(i.e. the bird's eye view of the taxi [still not sure how they did that])

Just simple CGI. Actually, you'd be surprised how much CG and digital replacement there is in the film. For instance, when they're at the taxi cab crime scene, that block looks very different than it did at the time, so they set up moving green screens and did digital replacement for the end of the street and some of the buildings. It's quite well done and seamless, and to me, better effects work than, say, Pirates of the Caribbean.

Zodiac was my favourite film of last year, but I don't understand the desire to compare it to No Country For Old Men. They're very differenct films. Also, I'm not quite sure I understand the statement re: irony.

Well, for the common movie goer.. isn't it ironic that TLJ doesn't ever meet or even really see the killer, (I liked aspects of that, like when he was in that motel room) Isn't it ironic that the character we've been following, after all the work he did to outsmart the inhuman villain, that he was killed by Mexican Hitmen. Isn't it ironic that, the inhuman villain gets into an accident in an otherwise vacant intersection but still gets away, isn't it ironic that he doesn't feel pain, that he's the epitome of evil and the film goer won't ever get any satisfaction from this film...


ERRRG

There seems to be some kind of Stigma against hating this movie, but I haven't personally met anyone that truly loved it, or that would even talk fondly of the art and craft behind it.

Zodiac however, which also had an unresolved ending was a masterpiece. The characters were much better developed, the film allowed me to immerse myself into their lives, and the writing was absorbing.

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

I really do believe that if NCFOM had been done by an unknown filmmaker and not the Coen's.. it would not have been so praised.

 

[Michael]

I'm still waiting for the promised Director's Cut though.

Link to Director's Cut

Yeah, but not where I live. So I keep waiting ...

 

[The Evil Dead]

Zodiac was my favorite film of 2007.

 

[Harvey]

I really do believe that if NCFOM had been done by an unknown filmmaker and not the Coen's.. it would not have been so praised.

I don't think anybody but someone with clout like the Coens could have gotten the film made in the first place, but if they had, I still think that it would have been praised. Now, it might not have won as many awards, but the critical praise would have still been there, no doubt about it.

All that aside, I really enjoyed Zodiac and look forward to the Director's Cut. I don't know why it wasn't nominated for any awards, besides the fact that it was released so early in the year.

 

[Starbreaker]

Zodiac was definitely my favorite film of 2007. It was completely engrossing and was tense without being overtly in your face.

 

[sidious618]

I loved Zodiac. The opening scene was particularly effective.

 

[Jax]

The movie was easily on of the best films in 2007 and the ending was a great piece of motion movie.

 

[firehawk12]

For me, this was a poorly structured but superbly directed film. The fact that the film essentially changes direction in the second half basically ruined it for me... also, the fact that the trailers emphasized the whole puzzle solving aspect of the film also contributed to the overall malaise I felt watching the flick.

Still, Fincher was great. That's enough to recommend it I suppose.