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	...	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 / Bartender
Brian Bloom	...	Zodiac (voice)
Shelby Alexis Irey	...	Bobbie
Natassia Costa	...	Mary Boucher
Kris Palm	...	Michael Newman
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.

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Plot Keywords:

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

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Taglines:

The most infamous serial killer of our time... is still out there.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence and language

Details

Official Sites:

Geneon Entertainment [Japan] 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 USA:

$20,578, 19 March 2006, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$44,785, 2 April 2006

Company Credits

Production Co:

Blackwater Films, ShadowMachine, Myriad Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

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.

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Goofs

When the Zodiac is narrating his letter after the Chief of Police invites him to write with more details of the earlier murders, his narration leaves out the word "very" before "very happy to supply even more material." that appears in the letter that he is narrating.

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Connections

Referenced in At the Movies: Avatar/It's Complicated/Crazy Heart/Did You Hear About the Morgans (2009)

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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

He Is Waiting for a Good Movie About Him… Me Too

On 20 December 1968, in Lake Helena, a couple of teenagers is brutally murdered by a killer while dating nearby the lake. The young Sergeant Matt Parish (Justin Chambers) is assigned and becomes obsessed for the case, neglecting his wife Laura (Robin Tunney) and his son Johnny (Rory Culkin). On 04 July 1969, another couple is shot in the golf course of Vallejo, and the killer sends letters to three newspapers with a riddle and promising more deaths. He kills again, and the police force is not able to arrest him. On 24 April 1978, he writes to a newspaper telling that he is waiting for a good movie about him.

"The Zodiac" is actually focused in the dramatic story of a detective that becomes obsessed by the case and practically forgets his former beloved family. The plot of the serial killer is based on a true story of a criminal in the Bay Area of California that has never been even identified by the police; therefore the movie gives the sensation of disappointment in the end since the hunting is unsuccessful. The production is careful, using cars, costumes and some footages of the 60's, the actors and actresses have good performances, but the screenplay goes nowhere. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "O Zodíaco" ("The Zodiac")