
"Zodiac", which recreates the hunt for the serial killer stalking the San Francisco area at the dawn of the seventies, runs a touch long perhaps, but nevertheless achieves what every thriller should: it holds you.
This particular real-life killer used the media to turn his reign of terror into a grotesque circus, but behind the scenes, also a labyrinthine game of cat and mouse. At the center of it all is an earnest newspaper cartoonist turned dogged investigator played by Jake Gyllenhaal, who is perfect for the role.
Mark Ruffalo also scores as a weary, hard-bitten detective.
But it's Robert Downey, Jr. who steals the show as a cynical, hard-partying crime reporter who eventually burns out (typecasting?) Even when burned out, he dominates the screen whenever he appears.
Not for the queasy, "Zodiac" is a real puzzler and pulse-racer. Those up for this type of film will be well rewarded.
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