Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Jimmy NYC (P) on March 07, 2007 at 12:03:52

In Reply to: Okay, I have always been intrigued by the "Zodiac," so I saw the film. posted by tinear on March 6, 2007 at 14:04:34:

" ... Since it is about one of the more spectacular crime sprees of the century, one would expect suspense, driving tension, high drama. One then would be disappointed:it absolutely is bloodless....."

I enjoyed it's bloodlessness. I was relieved it wasn't a "Seven" type of film, where the suspense is built upon what they might show you, instead of natural good old suspense.I do admit though, I wasn't really at the edge of my seat.

"....In splitting screen time among so many characters, we're left with an ensemble piece but with no actor, or more properly, a character, that has any pizazz...."

Good point and one of the films failings

"...Downey is a downer, though his character was well-acted. He shows depth, intelligence, and a believable meltdown, though whether from "life" or unfulfilled sleuthing is unclear...."

As I said in a previous post - I enjoyed his performance but again I agree with you. I wondered that myself.

"..........Ruffalo doesn't portray driven very well, nor a tortured soul.
Jakie G also is... undynamic though, unlike another viewer, I did notice he aged...."

I'm the veiwer who complained of Jakes lack of aging. If I ever see it again I'll double check - but I'd bet a 1,000,000 bucks he didn't age a day.

"............Chloe Sevigny is underutilized as his wife. Yes, like the other actors, she loses her husband with nary a whimper...."

Another good point

"...If one is going to make a Hollywood type film with lots of close-ups and crescendos leading to climax... it's a good idea to then go all the way and have some histrionics. Here, we get a minimal amount of sizzle and then, an undercooked slab.
It does hold your attention but don't go expecting a pulse-pounding ride. ..."

What is an example of a film that does this for you that you would apply to "Zodiac"?

"....Hell, even when the murderer takes a young mom and her child for a last ride, it's all filmed like it were a carjacking or less. Why the director eschewed the showing of her escape means he had something in mind besides telling a compelling story.
For the life of me, I don't know what the hell that might have been. ...."

For what it's worth, I thought that scene was totally creepy and I was having trouble watching the screen, out of emotional involvement. That rarely happens to a tuff guy of the Film Asylum like me!