The Zodiac (2005)

An elusive serial killer known as the Zodiac terrorizes the San Francisco Bay in the late 1960s, while detectives aim to stop him before he claims more victims. Based on a true story.

Director:

Alexander Bulkley

Writers:

Alexander Bulkley, Kelly Bulkley

Stars:

Justin Chambers, Robin Tunney, Rory Culkin

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Justin Chambers	...	Inspector Matt Parish
Robin Tunney	...	Laura Parish
Rory Culkin	...	Johnny Parish
William Mapother	...	Dale Coverling
Brad William Henke	...	Bill Gregory (as Brad Henke)
Rex Linn	...	Jim Martinez
Philip Baker Hall	...	Frank Perkins
Marty Lindsey	...	Zodiac Killer
Brian Bloom	...	Zodiac (voice)
Shelby Alexis Irey	...	Bobbie
Natassia Costa	...	Mary
Kris Palm	...	Michael
Nate Dushku	...	Scott Washington
Katelin Chesna	...	Patsy
Kathryn Howell	...	Mrs. Boucher

Storyline

THE ZODIAC takes a different look at the famous Zodiac Killer case from other screen treatments of the murders. More than a simple crime story, the film is an emotional thriller focusing on the murders' impact on victims, their families and the wider community. The film follows a police detective and his son who become obsessed with the murders and endanger their family in the process.

---

Plot Keywords:

murder | lake | zodiac killer | police detective | 1960s | 

---

Taglines:

Based On True Events

---

Genres:

Crime | Drama | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence and language

Details

Official Sites:

Geneon Entertainment [jp] Myriad Pictures

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 August 2006 (Russia)

Also Known As:

In Control of All Things

Filming Locations:

Benicia, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$20,578 (USA) (17 March 2006)

Gross:

$44,785 (USA) (31 March 2006)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Blackwater Films, ShadowMachine Films, Myriad Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min 97 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Many of the neighborhood scenes were filmed on location in the St. Basil neighborhood of Vallejo.

---

Goofs

In the final scene that takes place in the Ace hardware store, the logos in the front half are period correct, but as the camera pans to the back half, the packages have the current ace logo and look that is much different from the logo used at the time.

---

Connections

Version of Curse of the Zodiac (2007)

---

Soundtracks

"With a Girl, Like You"
Performed by The Troggs
Courtesy of Mercury Records Limited
under license from Universal Music Enterprises
Written by Reg Presley

User Reviews

Portrait of an unsuccessful Hunt

Although David Finchers look at the infamous Zodiac Killer is due in a few months, Alexander Buckleys version need not be ashamed of comparison. That's what can be predicted in advance, since Buckleys film looks at the Zodiac killings from the perspective of one involved policeman's family; Fincher is hardly to repeat that. Buckleys approach, at first, is very realistic - not surprising, since the incidents he portrays are historic facts. Later on, he fuses facts and fictions, which weakens the picture a bit. But in general, he sticks to the facts and manages to fit them into interesting 92 minutes. No gore here, only a few harsh visuals, but still disturbing. In total, it succeeds in creating a sense for the madness and absurdness behind the killings. Recommended for those looking for a thrill of quality.