It's a very odd concoction. Part recreation of a real event, part wild conjecture and part darkly humorous proto-slasher flick. When the movie sticks with the then known facts of the case, it has a certain grungy realism that makes it more believable than similar scenes in Fincher's superb 2007 film ZODIAC. As well-produced as the Fincher film is, the immediacy of shooting ZODIAC KILLER so close to the actual events gives it an authenticity it otherwise wouldn't earn with its haphazard filmmaking.
But, ZODIAC KILLER is a very strangely structured film. What I describe above is really only a small portion of the movie. Most of it is given over to an imagined scenario about a disturbed and cultist mailman (Jerry) who turns out to be the Zodiac. For good measure, a decent amount of the relatively short running time (87 mins) is given over to red herring. Hal Reed may not have been the most seasoned actor, but, he gives off a creepy vibe that chills as Jerry. Unfortunately, the movie gets torpedoed by a laughable last third that goes off the rails with absurd 'added killings' to the Zodiac's resume. They have a certain black comedy factor, but, get ridiculous by the end.
In the end this is mostly a curio for those interested in the Zodiac killer story, as well as early 70s grindhouse film fans.
The new restoration is a collaboration between AGFA and Something Weird. it's very much a period 35mm print. Colors are a bit variable, and there's a good amount of wear and yes, those reel change holes are huge! But, overall, this is a very good transfer and restoration of a rare title. And, considering the source material - it's a terrific job all around.
P.S. In-depth interview with Director Tom Hanson from the great site TEMPLE OF SCHLOCK where he talks about hoping to ensnare the real Zodiac Killer with this film!!
But, ZODIAC KILLER is a very strangely structured film. What I describe above is really only a small portion of the movie. Most of it is given over to an imagined scenario about a disturbed and cultist mailman (Jerry) who turns out to be the Zodiac. For good measure, a decent amount of the relatively short running time (87 mins) is given over to red herring. Hal Reed may not have been the most seasoned actor, but, he gives off a creepy vibe that chills as Jerry. Unfortunately, the movie gets torpedoed by a laughable last third that goes off the rails with absurd 'added killings' to the Zodiac's resume. They have a certain black comedy factor, but, get ridiculous by the end.
In the end this is mostly a curio for those interested in the Zodiac killer story, as well as early 70s grindhouse film fans.
The new restoration is a collaboration between AGFA and Something Weird. it's very much a period 35mm print. Colors are a bit variable, and there's a good amount of wear and yes, those reel change holes are huge! But, overall, this is a very good transfer and restoration of a rare title. And, considering the source material - it's a terrific job all around.
P.S. In-depth interview with Director Tom Hanson from the great site TEMPLE OF SCHLOCK where he talks about hoping to ensnare the real Zodiac Killer with this film!!