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:

Based On True Events

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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

Mare Island refers to an island which is part of Vallejo. It is said to be named after a prized white mare owned by Gen. Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. On an occasion when a number of the General's horses were being ferried across the Strait from the Contra Costa shore to Benicia, the crude barge capsized. Some of the horses swam ashore, others drowned, and the white mare disappeared. It is recorded that many weeks afterward, the white mare was discovered grazing on the hillside of the island across the channel from Vallejo. From that day, the island was known as "Mare's Island," shortened to Mare Island.

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Goofs

At the beginning of the scene where Inspector Parish is questioning Patsy (a waitress) in the restaurant, a late 20th Century-style security camera is seen over the counter.

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Connections

Version of Zodiak - Der Horoskop-Mörder (2007)

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Soundtracks

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Performed by Andy Williams
Courtesy of Columbia Records
by arrangement with Sony Music Licensing
Written by Edward Pola & George Wyle

User Reviews

Captures the story of the Zodiac as well as essence of the Sixties

The only reason I didn't give this a "10" is because there are a couple of slow spots - but those do not detract from the very faithful telling of the story of Zodiac.

If you're a Zodiac scholar, as I am, you will not be disappointed. Even more than that, though, is the way the film captures the very essence of what it was like to grow up in the Sixties, and not in the 'in your face' way that most films ('Forrest Gump' comes to mind) do these days.

We did not live our lives to a soundtrack done by Buffalo Springfield and Creedence Clearwater - though those bands were there, there was a lot more music around that's not as overused as in today's films, and 'The Zodiac' filmmakers get it.

Not everyone wore tie-dye & flashed peace signs all the time, some of us owned a plaid Thermos, people wore Capri pants.

I was unable to catch an anachronism, which is my favorite thing to pick on.

The horror of the Zodiac crimes taking place against this very accurate background is compelling.

Solid 9 for getting it exactly right.