Monday, September 14, 2009

best films: #97: ZODIAC (2007)


Previously ranked and blogged at #89

Confession -- I think David Fincher's Zodiac is one of the most underrated and under-appreciated works of the past ten years.  It's a magnificently crafted thriller (with story arcs other wannabe "think-pieces" can only aspire for) and it boasts fantastic acting, costuming, and art direction to boot!  It comes as no surprise from the director of Se7en, but it was certainly a breath of fresh air in otherwise ho-hum March release slate.  Of course, due to the magnitude of 2007 as a great year for film, it was completely forgotten come awards season.  Although, in retrospect, I think the Academy may've payed closer attention to Robert Downey, Jr., at least, due to their recent love affair with the actor.

Standout Performance:  Downey, Jr. is fantastic and Jake Gyllenhaal is notably subtle as cartoonist and code-cracker Robert Graysmith, but it's Mark Ruffalo's take on Inspector Dave Toschi that made the movie for me.

No comments: