Author: Ayush Tripathi, II year of B.A. LL.B. (Hons in Adjudication and Justicing) from Maharashtra National Law University Nagpur
Co-author: Smriti Sharma, II year of B.A. LL.B. (Hons in Adjudication and Justicing) from Maharashtra National Law University Nagpur
Introduction
The movie "Zodiac" is a crime thriller that tells the story of one of the most infamous serial killers in American history. The Zodiac Killer terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area during the late 1960s and early 1970s, leaving a trail of victims and a community in fear. As a professor of Criminology, I will be reviewing this movie from a criminological perspective, exploring the theories and principles of criminology and victimology that are evident in the events depicted in the film. This review will examine the application of rational choice theory and social learning theory to the Zodiac Killer case, as well as the portrayal of the victims and the investigative process. The movie provides a unique insight into the mind of a serial killer, while also highlighting the impact of violent crimes on victims and their families, making it a valuable tool for criminologists and law enforcement professionals alike.
Brief summary of the movie
"Zodiac" is a gripping crime thriller movie that tells the true story of the Zodiac Killer, who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The killer's identity remains unknown to this day, and the case has become one of the most infamous unsolved crimes in American history.
The movie is directed by David Fincher and stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo in leading roles. The film follows the investigation by the San Francisco Police Department and the Napa County Sheriff's Office into the Zodiac Killer's crimes. The Zodiac Killer sent letters and cryptograms to newspapers, taunting authorities and bragging about his crimes, which included the murder of at least five people and the attempted murder of two others.
The film's plot revolves around the efforts of the lead detectives and journalists to uncover the identity of the killer, who seemed to enjoy the attention he was receiving from the press. The movie also highlights the impact of the Zodiac Killer's crimes on the victims and their families. The portrayal of the victims and their families is particularly poignant, and the film emphasizes the psychological toll that the case had on them.
As the investigation progresses, the detectives encounter numerous dead ends and false leads, and the case goes cold after several years. However, one of the detectives, Robert Graysmith (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), becomes increasingly obsessed with the case and takes it upon himself to continue the investigation. He works with a journalist, Paul Avery (played by Robert Downey Jr.), to uncover new evidence and theories about the identity of the killer.
Throughout the movie, various criminological theories and principles are explored, including rational choice theory and social learning theory. The film portrays how the detectives' use of forensic evidence and interviews with witnesses and suspects to track the killer down, as well as the creation of a task force dedicated to solving the case.
Overall, "Zodiac" is a chilling and intense thriller that provides a unique insight into the mind of a serial killer, as well as the impact of violent crimes on the victims and their families. The movie is an excellent example of the application of criminological theories and principles, making it a valuable resource for criminologists and law enforcement professionals.
Themes in the movie
There are several themes present in the movie "Zodiac." These themes include obsession, fear, justice, and the media's influence on crime reporting. Below, I will explain each theme in more detail:
Obsession: One of the central themes in the movie is obsession. The character of Robert Graysmith becomes increasingly obsessed with the Zodiac Killer case, to the point where it takes over his life. He spends countless hours researching the case, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence. This theme is also present in the character of Paul Avery, who becomes increasingly paranoid and self-destructive as the case progresses. The film portrays how obsession can lead to both positive and negative outcomes and highlights the potential dangers of becoming too consumed by a particular subject.
Fear: Another significant theme in the movie is fear. The Zodiac Killer's crimes caused widespread fear and panic in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the movie captures this sense of terror. The fear experienced by the victims and their families is portrayed in a realistic and poignant way, emphasizing the devastating impact of violent crimes on individuals and communities.
Justice: The theme of justice is also present throughout the movie. The detectives and journalists involved in the case are driven by a desire to bring the killer to justice and put an end to the fear and chaos caused by his crimes. The film explores the different methods used by law enforcement and the media to solve the case and highlights the importance of persistence and determination in the pursuit of justice.
The media's influence on crime reporting: The role of the media in reporting and shaping public perception of the Zodiac Killer case is a recurring theme in the movie. The film portrays how the media's reporting of the case affected the investigation, with the killer using the press to spread his messages and taunt the authorities. The media's influence on crime reporting is also explored through the character of Paul Avery, who becomes increasingly disillusioned with his profession and the way that the media sensationalizes crime reporting.
In summary, the themes in the movie "Zodiac" explore various aspects of crime, including the psychological impact on victims, the importance of justice, the influence of the media on crime reporting, and the dangers of obsession. The film provides a unique and thought-provoking insight into one of the most notorious unsolved cases in American history, making it a valuable resource for criminologists and law enforcement professionals.
Criminological analysis of the movie
The movie "Zodiac" is a highly acclaimed crime thriller that tells the story of the infamous Zodiac Killer, who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The film is based on the true events of the case, and is notable for its attention to detail and accuracy in portraying the investigation and the impact of the killer's crimes on the community. The film explores various criminological theories that may explain the motivations and behavior of the Zodiac Killer, including rational choice theory and social learning theory. These theories provide a framework for understanding how the killer was able to carefully plan and execute his attacks while minimizing the risks and maximizing the potential benefits.
Rational choice theory suggests that criminals weigh the potential costs and benefits of committing a crime before deciding to act. In the case of the Zodiac Killer, he appeared to carefully plan his attacks and choose his victims based on specific criteria. By selecting young couples in isolated locations, the killer was able to carry out his attacks without being detected, thereby minimizing the risks associated with committing his crimes. In addition, the Zodiac Killer's taunting letters to the media and law enforcement may have been part of his calculated plan to increase the potential benefits of his crimes by gaining notoriety and attention.
Social learning theory, on the other hand, suggests that people learn criminal behavior through the process of socialization. The movie "Zodiac" highlights the role of the media in the case, portraying how the intense media coverage of the Zodiac Killer may have influenced his behavior and tactics. The late 1960s and early 1970s were a time of increased media coverage of serial killers, and infamous cases such as those of Charles Manson and the Boston Strangler received widespread attention. The Zodiac Killer's actions may have been influenced by the media coverage of these cases, leading him to adopt similar tactics and strategies.
The movie "Zodiac" also highlights the principles of criminology and victimology, particularly in the investigation of the crimes committed by the Zodiac Killer. The film portrays the use of forensic evidence, interviews with witnesses and suspects, and the creation of a task force dedicated to solving the case. These methods were all essential in the eventual identification and capture of the killer. The film also highlights the impact of the Zodiac Killer's crimes on the victims and their families, portraying the survivors as traumatized and the families of the victims as grieving and struggling to cope with the aftermath of the attacks.
The principles of victimology are particularly evident in the movie, which portrays the psychological impact of the Zodiac Killer's crimes on the victims and their families. The film also highlights the role of the media in sensationalizing the case, which added to the fear and panic that gripped the community. Additionally, the film illustrates the importance of victim advocacy and support, particularly in the aftermath of violent crimes. The portrayal of the victims and their families in the movie emphasizes the need for compassion, empathy, and support for those who have been affected by crime.
Overall, the movie "Zodiac" is a powerful and thought-provoking examination of one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. The film provides a detailed and accurate portrayal of the investigation, while also exploring various criminological theories and principles of victimology. Through its depiction of the Zodiac Killer's crimes and their impact on the community, the movie underscores the importance of understanding the motivations and behavior of criminals, while also recognizing the devastating effects of crime on victims and their families.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the movie "Zodiac" provides a fascinating insight into the complex investigation of one of the most notorious serial killers in American history, while also highlighting the application of various criminological theories and principles of victimology. The film showcases how the use of forensic evidence, witness interviews, and the creation of a task force dedicated to solving the case, led to the identification and arrest of the suspect, Arthur Leigh Allen. The portrayal of the victims and their families emphasizes the need for compassion, empathy, and support for those who have been affected by crime, while also shedding light on the negative impact of media sensationalizationon the investigation and the community.
The movie "Zodiac" raises important questions about the nature of criminal behavior and the motivations behind it, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in the field of criminology. The film serves as a reminder of the profound impact that violent crimes have on individuals, families, and communities, and underscores the need for continued research, advocacy, and support for victims of crime. Overall, "Zodiac" is a thought-provoking and poignant exploration of one of the most infamous serial killer cases in history, offering both a cautionary tale and a tribute to the tireless efforts of law enforcement and victim advocates in the pursuit of justice.