Zodiac (2007) - Why The Details Are So Important

Details are important. They're a crucial aspect in any investigation, and the devil's in those finer slithers of truth. If we force a narrative where it doesn't fit, the outcome can sting us hard and last for the rest of our natural lives.

Based on the real life murders, David Fincher's 2007 film Zodiac tells the story of a select few who crossed paths with the case that spread over Northern California - and the killer himself.

As is his staple, Fincher scrutinised over every element on this project. Real life victims and retired detectives who worked on the case were brought in to consult on the events that unfolded. Aiming for a totally authentic experience, he even planted specific trees on location to recreate one of the most gruesome scenes in the film. He really went that extra mile and it shows. 

The casting was meticulous too. When you see the performances it's almost impossible to imagine anybody else doing them. The way Fincher has Robert Downey Jr, as hipster Journalist Paul Avery, share moments with

 Jake Gyllenhaal's perfectly awkward and obsessive cartoonist, Robert Graysmith, creates a beautiful chemistry; and the two are hard to take your eyes off. 

Mark Ruffalo, John Carroll Lynch and Chloë Sevigny all do exquisite work here too, but I won't ruin their roles in this story.

The characters aren't fleshed out anywhere as much as I'd like, but their purposes are all fulfilled, and the film doesn't lose any of its mojo as a result - they're just so damn interesting I want to know more. Something else I wanted more of was the amazing soundtrack.

Hearing Chuck Negron's hypnotizing vocals on Three Night Dog's 'Easy To Be Hard', over the backdrop of fireworks on the 4th of July in 1969, just feels so right. But it's Donovan's 'Hurdy Gurdy Man' that really captures the eerie tone of the film. I could write a whole review on the amazing music in this movie - it really is that good. But just as impressive as the tracks chosen from that period is the score from David Shire. It's sombre, inspiring and intensely thought-provoking. It's Shire's best work by a million miles and deserves a wider audience. The compositions stack neatly like Lego, but still manage to have a wide range to suit Fincher's complex imagery throughout the film.

Zodiac stands the test of time and, to this day, still holds up as one of the most compelling police procedurals in all of cinema history. But don't let me tie you up, go and watch it if you haven't already.