ZODIAC

ZODIAC 2007

Directer: Dr. David Fincher


Directed films - 
flight club, Se7en, Gone girl, Alien 3, The curious case of benjamin button etc..

Main cast: 
Jake Gyllenhaal
Robert Downey Jr
Mark Ruffalo


Genre: Thriller
Sub-Genre :  Crime / Serial Killer / Biographical

CONVENTION FOR SERIAL KILLER FLIM.

Calm --> Victim 1--> Investigation --> Victim 2 --> Investigation --> Found some connection between two case --> Tracking --> Closing in on possible killer --> Killer brought to justice.

HOW DOES ZODIAC PLAY WITH SERIAL KILLER CONVENTION.

• There is no closure - In real life they never caught the Zodiac. 
• There is no clam - The equilibrium starts with a killing.
• The investigation is never in control.

NARRATIVE RANGE - CONFLICT 

1. Unrestricted

The audience knows more and sees more than the characters.  

BIG PICTURE = Establishing shots

• Killings
• the killer never gets caught
• 1968 - 1990

2. Restricted

The characters and the audience learn the story at the same time.

• Details of case
• How complicated the investigation was

CINEMATOGRAPHY 

High angle shots 

• often establishing = audience reminded that they are big picture
• omnipotent ( god like)= cold, unemotional, floating

Close up

• Inside the cars - TRAPPED = not being able to see the big picture

CHARACTER

•  Graysmith - Obsessed /Boy scout (doesn't smoke or drinks) / Nice guy / Disorganised = OUTSIDER 
• Portrayed = He is always separated, isolated or always outside.

• Toschi - non sense / stylish / experience / balance / Due process (doing things correctly) / Rules