141. 'Zodiac' (2007)

Show Notes

Thrilled to finally deep-dive into the making-of David Fincher's brilliant newspaper movie/police procedural/serial killer obsession film 'Zodiac'.

Topics:

The insane detail that went into preproduction.

Praise for producer Brad Fischer and screenwriter Jamie Vanderbilt.

Soundbites from Fincher's obsessive attention to period detail.

Sound from the real Dave Toschi, memorably played by Mark Ruffalo in a brilliant performance.

The astounding character arc played by Robert Downey, Jr in one of his final films before joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Jake Gyllenhaal's fantastic portrayal of San Francisco Chronicle cartoonist Robert Graysmith, whose book was adapted for the film.

Period sound from Zodiac suspect Arthur Leigh Allen.

Some speculation on the state of the as-yet-unsolved Zodiac case today.

David Shire's amazing score.

Analysis of Academy Award nominations this film SHOULD have gotten...and won.

AND MORE! A true labor of love episode akin to my episode on Michael Mann's 'Heat'....and I fear these episodes do so well that I may have to do more of them and all the work it entails! Let's hope so!

Sources Consulted For This Episode

-David Fincher's 'Zodiac' film on Apple

-Robert Graysmith's  'Zodiac Unmasked'

-Robert Graysmith's 'Shooting Zodiac'

-David Fincher: Mind Games Essays

-David Fincher's commentary track on the 'Zodiac' DVD

-"This is the Zodiac Speaking"  documentary.

-"Making 'Zodiac' " documentary

-"His Name Was Arthur Leigh Allen" documentary

-'Zodiac We Called Him Mr. Allen' YouTube page