Zodiac

Is it just me, or has Robert Downey, Jr. been cropping up in some great roles lately? In Zodiac, Downey steals the show as a journalist who struggles with substance abuse. But that's not really the story here. The film revolves around the Zodiac killer who killed numerous individuals in the late 60s and early 70s. Along with Downey, Jake Gyllenhal fits perfectly into his role as a comic artist for the local newspaper. However, when the Zodiac case breaks open, Gyllenhal's character, Robert Graysmith, becomes intrigued by the unfolding murders.

The film, directed by the ever talented David Fincher, shows us why Fincher is a great director. He is able to keep us intrigued for the whopping two hour and forty minute running time. Not many films today would risk being so long, but Fincher and company manage to pull it off. My only gripe with the film is that, like Hollywoodland, there isn't necessarily a major resolution. However, without spoiling the film for others, it plays as a great period piece that will surely stand highly next to Fincher's other works, including Fight Club, Seven, etc.

The supporting cast is also a force to be reckoned with. Anchored by Mark Ruffalo, the major players in the film all create a sense of mystery that works well within the given context. Moreover, the other supporters, including the likes of Brian Cox, Elias Koteas, and Philip Baker Hall fits squarely in the time period that the film is set. With all of the testosterone running rampant on screen, it's up to Chloe Sevigny to reign in. She does just that. The underrated actress shows why she is one of the finest in her generation as she plays the wife of the obsessed Graysmith. A.