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Charlie Shackleton’s Zodiac Killer Project is a real odd duck in the true crime documentary sphere. The film outlines the rough sketches of a highway patrolman’s one-man-mission to catch The Zodiac Killer, but also simultaneously tears apart the true crime documentary format as we know it today. Part video essay, part investigative journalism, the heavy-meta doc peels back the curtain on the tricks of the trade and the reliably predictable tropes that have completely overtaken true-crime documentaries writ large.

In its earliest stages, Zodiac Killer Project was supposed to be a by-the-books true crime documentary like any other. Filmmaker Charlie Shackleton found his subject in Lyndon E. Lafferty who published a detailed account of his investigation in the book The Zodiac Killer Cover-Up: Aka The Silenced Badge. After a chance encounter with a man that shared a striking resemblance to the notorious police sketch of The Zodiac Killer,...

True crime, as a genre, has always thrived on contradictions. It is investigative yet exploitative, educational yet voyeuristic, illuminating yet sensationalized. Over the past decade, the genre has exploded into a cultural phenomenon, moving beyond late-night Dateline specials into prestige television, cinematic documentaries, and viral podcasts. But what happens when we reach a saturation point? When the tropes become so well-worn that they begin to fold in on themselves? Zodiac Killer Project, the latest film from British director Charlie Shackleton, is less a documentary about a serial killer and more a deconstruction of true crime itself — a self-reflective, formally playful interrogation of why we tell these stories, how we tell them, and whether any of it brings us closer to closure.

A Documentary That Never Was

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Thrillers often take on a new level of meaning when they are based on real life, and their stories can be even more exciting. While it's not too uncommon to see horror movies or crime movies based on real life, there are surprisingly few which can deliver the kind of ecstatic entertainment of a true thriller. Any movie based on a true story invariably has to balance its dedication to the truth with its dedication to entertaining its audience. Not many movies succeed in both areas.

A good thriller needs to keep up the excitement throughout, and it should always have a dynamite ending. Real life rarely works out so neatly. The best thrillers based on true stories have taken stories from unusually intense settings, like bank robberies, clandestine military operations and serial murder investigations. Real life can offer cinematic thrills if the filmmakers know where to look.

Related 10 Thriller...

The Zodiac Killer, one of the most notorious serial killers in history, taunted authorities and the public with cryptic ciphers for over five decades. Among these was the Z340 cipher, a 340-character cryptogram that remained unsolved for 51 years, confounding both amateur and professional codebreakers.

However, in 2020, an international team of cryptographers successfully cracked this infamous code. The details of their breakthrough and the meaning behind the message offer a fascinating insight into the mind of the Zodiac Killer and the methods used to solve this enduring mystery.

The Z340 Cipher: A Half-Century Enigma One of The Zodiac Killer’s victims | Credits: Crime scene officer, San Francisco Police Departmentvia Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

Between 1968 and 1969, the Zodiac Killer claimed the lives of at least five people in Northern California. During his spree, he sent a series of letters to local newspapers, often accompanied by cryptic ciphers. These ciphers were...

The 3-part Netflix documentary, This is the Zodiac Speaking, makes us privy to one of the most talked about, sensationalized, and mysterious serial murders that happened in the United States in the late 1960s. The real killer is still unidentified as of today, and due to the emergence of new evidence, after every couple of years the law enforcement authorities have no option but to keep the investigation going. The documentary also introduces us to one of the prime suspects in the case, named Arthur Leigh Allen, who many believed was the real Zodiac Killer. So, let’s find out what happened in the documentary and whether it revealed any significant detail that we were unaware of.

What was the Zodiac killer’s motive?

Around 1968, the city of Vallejo was shaken by a series of murders committed by a man who referred to himself as the Zodiac Killer. The weirdest...

There are many factors that push someone to be a filmmaker. For some, it is that creative passion that they have to tell stories they believe only they can; for others, it is a means to make some cash and a name for themselves. However, sometimes movies are made for bizarre reasons, and in the 1970s, one director took a unique approach to making and promoting his low-budget horror film.

Horror certainly never shies away from controversial subjects, but one man tackled one of the most sensational true crime cases of the '60s in The Zodiac Killer and used it as a means to try to lure in the infamous true-crime figure. Was it a marketing ploy or was it genuine? That is difficult to say, but we will explore the sensational story behind Tom Hanson's The Zodiac Killer, including how he tried to trap the murdered at the screenings of his movie.

Learning lines can be different for actors, and Pedro Pascal has shared his radical method for line memorization. Pascal uses a cipher technique that has followed in him being compared to The Zodiac Killer. Pedro Pascal will star in The Fantastic Four, with the announcement finally being officially made by Marvel Studios recently.

Whether an actor is just getting started in Hollywood, or already has an established career, the way in which they learn their lines seems to differ from person to person. Some immerse themselves in their character as a way to memorize crucial dialogue, and then there's Pedro Pascal, who recently shared the unusual method he has for remembering his lines. Appearing over Zoom at a recent fundraiser for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, the 48-year-old star revealed the "psychotic" process he goes through, which he claims doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room for the actor to make his own choices.

For years, serial killer documentaries and series have captivated viewers. Now, Peacock is telling another side of the story. “Myth of the Zodiac Killer” examines the details behind the murders from 1968 to 1969 and whether there actually was a killer. The two-part docuseries debuts on Peacock on Tuesday, July 11, delving into unique theories and fascinating facts. You can watch Myth of the Zodiac Killer with a subscription to Peacock.

How to Watch ‘Myth of the Zodiac Killer’ Premiere When: Tuesday, July 11, 2023 Where: Peacock Stream: Watch with a subscription to Peacock. Sign Up$4.99+ / month peacocktv.com About ‘Myth of the Zodiac Killer’ Premiere

In San Francisco’s Bay Area in 1968 and 1969, five people were found dead. It’s possible more were slain by the mysterious Zodiac Killer but never discovered or specifically linked to the same murderer. To this day, no name has been officially tied to these crimes, so justice has yet to be served.

Peacock is well-known for its distinctive schedule, which includes movies, TV shows, and sporting events. Although it usually releases daily soap operas and reality shows, it occasionally brings in some exciting TV series, making its schedule a mixed bag of delights. If you've been binging on the streaming service's exclusive material, you should be excited about the additional content available in the coming days.

The month of June saw the release of fan favorites such as American Ninja Warrior and the portrayal of Big Bang Theory's star Kaley Cucuo in an unconventional comedy series, but July will be considerably more exciting. From an adaptation of a video game starring Anthony Mackie (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) to a true crime docuseries featuring horrifying events, Peacock has brought out several of its own original shows. With that in mind, here are the best TV series coming to Peacock in July...

Tonight on SNL, the “Weekend Update” anchors welcomed film critic Terry Fink (Alex Moffat) to the desk to share his thoughts on this year’s set of Oscar-nominated features.

Fink kicked things off by noting that he’d watched not only the nominated films, but every single film from the past year over the course of the past 48 hours.

More From Zoë Kravitz Hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’

“Wait, I’m sorry,” said Colin Jost. “You watched every single movie from this year in the last two days? How is that even possible?”

“All thanks to a little multivitamin I take called LSD,” explained Fink, who then transitioned to speaking to his “pick for Best Pic,” The Power of the Dog.

“Who let this dog out of the closet? That’s the question posed by director Jane Campion in this hysterical gay Western,” said Fink. “Benedict Cumberbatch rides high as the...

This article contains The Little Things spoilers. You can read our spoiler-free review here.

Despite what those looking for clear answers after that ending might hope, The Little Things is not based on any specific true story or serial killer investigation. It was a 1993 screenplay penned by writer-director John Lee Hancock. However, there are similarities to several well known cases. The film even mentions the Night Stalker, aka Richard Ramirez, all while stopping short of naming names or committing to a specific lethal predator in its own yarn.

This is by design. In a recent interview with The Wrap, Hancock said “the whole reason I wrote the script” was to lean into the ambiguity and frustration of criminal investigations. Yet several ongoing serial killer investigations during the time of his writing raises questions about whether this intent was partially influenced by two open-ended searches for serial killers.

In the near...

From Lake of Dracula to The Wizard of Gore and The El Duce Tapes, Arrow Video's streaming service has an eclectic mix of cult genre titles for you to enjoy:

London, UK - Arrow Video is excited to announce the November lineup of their new subscription-based Arrow platform, available now in the US and Canada. Building on the success of the Arrow Video Channel and expanding its availability across multiple devices and countries, Arrow boasts a selection of cult classics, hidden gems and iconic horror films, all curated by the Arrow Video team. November will include the launch of Ban This Sick Filth!, a rotating catalog highlighting some of the most controversial films ever made, including We Are the Flesh, Orgies of Edo, The Baby, The Woman and Bat Pussy.

The lineup begins November 2nd with The El Duce Tapes, the new X-rated music documentary about the self-styled “King...

A trailer for the podcast Monster: The Zodiac Killer focuses on the unknown murderer’s lust for publicity. The two-minute clip includes reenacted audio from the Killer’s notes to the press, speculation from people who were amazed by the Killer’s terrorism and recordings from newsreels around the time.

“Here we are 50 years after the first Zodiac killing,” says one of the commentators. “In today’s world of forensics, old cases are being solved. We’re talking about probably the most famous cold case of the last century or so,...

In today’s film news roundup, a Fox veteran is hired by “Crazy Rich Asians” producer Sk Global, Garry Pastore will play Albert Anastasia, and Ed Wood’s “Take It Out in Trade” is getting a release.

Executive Hiring

“Crazy Rich Asians” producer Sk Global and its Ivanhoe Pictures has hired Fox International Productions executive Xian Li as senior vice president of production.

Li will work alongside the executive teams of Ivanhoe Pictures and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment and will be charged with enhancing and expanding the company’s slate of Asian-focused global film and TV projects.

“After focusing on Asia in the past years, I’m truly inspired by the fascinating creative talents and materials available, and how they differ from the current domestic creative landscape,” Li said. “The success of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ is a strong manifesto that the audience deserves to see more diverse content from Hollywood, and...

Is this a brilliant discovery, or totally crazy? A Great Falls policeman named John Cameron has become convinced that one man — a now-deceased serial killer named Edward Edwards — could be responsible for some of the most notorious unsolved slayings of American history, from JonBenét Ramsey to Black Dahlia. All of his evidence will be revealed in a six-part docuseries called It Was Him: The Many Murders of Edward Edwards, to premiere on the Paramount Network tonight at 10 p.m.. But who exactly is Ed Edwards — and how could he have gotten away with such infamous crimes? Who is Ed Edwards? Edwards was born in Akron, Oh in 1933, and he reportedly had a troubled childhood. According to the documentary, his mother committed suicide when Edwards was two years old, and he was placed in an orphanage — where he was the subject of bullying. ABC News reports that Edwards escaped from jail...

The Hunt for the Zodiac Killer is a new series on History Channel that chronicles the investigation and hunt for the notorious Zodiac Killer, who killed at least five people in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Zodiac Killer’s murders are perhaps the most famous unsolved crimes involving a serial killer in American history. His killing spree spread over the late 1960s and early 1970s was accompanied by a series of strange letter that were filled with taunts to the police and also contained strange codes mixed up with symbols. This five-part series follows a ream of investigators and...read more...

Lurid 1971 thriller was made to capture the real-life serial killer

The post The Zodiac Killer Blu-ray Review appeared first on ComingSoon.net.

“Atlantis shall rise again! I am the super zodiac!”

Agfa (American Genre Film Archive), a non-profit that preserves the legacy of genre films, is pleased to announce details for The Zodiac Killer Blu-ray, which will be released on July 25! This is the first title of dozens in our collaboration with Something Weird Video following a successful 2015 Kickstarter campaign.

Directed by Tom Hanson, who had previously owned a chain of Pizza Man restaurants, The Zodiac Killer was made to capture the real-life Zodiac Killer. That plan didn’t work. Instead, we got the most outrageous and compelling “tabloid horror” vortex in the history of planet Earth. And beyond. During theatrical screenings, Hanson constructed in-theater “traps” to lure the killer from hiding. These included the use of an ice cream freezer filled with rent-a-cops and a raffle with a motorcycle as a prize. You won’t get insight like this by watching a David Fincher movie.

Back in 1971, Tom Hanson, the owner of a chain of Pizza Man restaurants, directed a film by the name of The Zodiac Killer. The intent of the film was to capture the real-life Zodiac Killer, who operated in Northern… Continue Reading →

The post Zodiac Man Trailer Focuses Not On the Killer But Rather the Man Who Investigated Him appeared first on Dread Central.

A few details are emerging for Jonathan Wright's (Urban Legend, 1998) Awakening the Zodiac. The trailer shows a couple searching for this elusive serial killer, who was active in the '60s and '70s. Five were murdered, but Mick (Shane West) and Zoe (Leslie Bibb) may have found him. The first clip is an exciting one. As well, the film's official movie poster is hosted here, along with the film's release details. The story begins with a series of cryptic messages. Found by bargain hunters, a series of film reels and pictures reveal more about the Zodiak Killer. Hoping to claim the reward money, Mick and Zoe put together a case, while searching for the killer's identity. Awakening the Zodiac will see theatres, this Summer. Sony Pictures Worldwide will distribute. And, theatrical showings begin on June 9th. Fans of thriller can find the latest on Awakening the Zodiac below.

“Atlantis shall rise again! I am the super zodiac!”

Agfa (American Genre Film Archive), a non-profit that preserves the legacy of genre films, is pleased to announce details for The Zodiac Killer Blu-ray, which will be released on July 25! This is the first title of dozens in our collaboration with Something Weird Video following a successful 2015 Kickstarter campaign.

Directed by Tom Hanson, who had previously owned a chain of Pizza Man restaurants, The Zodiac Killer was made to capture the real-life Zodiac Killer. That plan didn’t work. Instead, we got the most outrageous and compelling “tabloid horror” vortex in the history of planet Earth. And beyond. During theatrical screenings, Hanson constructed in-theater “traps” to lure the killer from hiding. These included the use of an ice cream freezer filled with rent-a-cops and a raffle with a motorcycle as a prize. You won’t get insight like this by watching a David Fincher movie.

As if the cast of David Raymond’s psychological thriller Nomis wasn’t enviable enough, The Hollywood Reporter brings word today of some new recruits.

With Henry Cavill (Sand Castle), Ben Kingsley and Baywatch star Alexandra Daddario already locked in, THR has confirmed that Stanley Tucci, Nathan Fillion and Minka Kelly have all climbed on board alongside fellow newcomers Brendan Fletcher and Mpho Koaho. Little is currently known about how each of their respective characters factor into the storyline, but we understand David Raymond’s genre movie centers on “an American police force that traps an online predator, only to realize the depth of his crimes goes far beyond anything anticipated.” The Zodiac Killer for a digital age? Color us intrigued.

Directing from his own script, David Raymond now presides over a truly star-studded lineup. In terms of those new additions, we know Stanley Tucci has a small part to...

Looking back on this still-young century makes clear that 2007 was a major time for cinematic happenings — and, on the basis of this retrospective, one we’re not quite through with ten years on. One’s mind might quickly flash to a few big titles that will be represented, but it is the plurality of both festival and theatrical premieres that truly surprises: late works from old masters, debuts from filmmakers who’ve since become some of our most-respected artists, and mid-career turning points that didn’t necessarily announce themselves as such at the time. Join us as an assembled team, many of whom were coming of age that year, takes on their favorites.

The most ready-made accolades handed out to our greatest film artists are invocations of other art forms. An artist can be labeled “painterly,” “literary,” or perhaps one who’s “sculpting in time.” (But never “theatrical,” by God.

For years, the San Francisco Police Department couldn't catch the Zodiac Killer. With the pre-order of Watch Dogs 2, you can have the chance to solve the mysteries and find the legendary serial killer. Come inside for the trailer!

Today, Ubisoft released an incentive for gamers who have not yet pre-ordered Watch Dogs 2. For all those pre-ordering the game, you'll get an extra mission that dives into the darkest part of San Francisco's history, the Zodiac Killer.

An unwanted ghost of San Francisco’s past has resurfaced after fifty years. A killer is staging the bodies of his victims all over Oakland like the infamous Zodiac Killer of the Sixties, and he’s taunting the police and news outlets with coded messages. Will you succeed in decrypting the messages and hunting down the copycat?

The Zodiac Killer mission is an awesome idea for a pre-order incentive. If done right, it could...

Something Weird Video has been doing the dark lord’s work since 1990, distributing all the best (and worst) exploitation movies from the ’60s and ’70s and treating them with more respect than most of them deserve. Now, the Alamo Drafthouse’s American Genre Film Archive (the largest non-profit genre film archive in the world) is joining forces with Something Weird, and the duo has just announced the first wave of Something Weird titles to receive new 4k digital transfers and distribution to home video and select theaters in 2017.

First among the titles is 1971’s The Zodiac Killer, which screened at this year’s Fantastic Fest. The film, made by a California business man in hopes of catching the actual Zodiac Killer, is a sleazy slasher tale featuring a character named Grover who gives Donald Trump a run for his money in the misogyny and awful hair departments ...

With August almost over and September around the corner, we’re only a few weeks away from the start of Fantastic Fest, taking place September 22nd–29th in Austin, Texas. Following the announcement of the first wave of programming earlier this month, the second wave of films have now been revealed, including even more titles for horror, sci-fi, and suspense fans to look forward to seeing:

Press Release: Austin, TX – Thursday, August 25, 2016 – Alamo Drafthouse’s Fantastic Fest delivers another dose of cinematic decadence with its second wave of programming. Procured once again from the most curious corners of the genre universe, Fantastic Fest is proud to announce its opening film, Denis Villeneuve’s stunning Arrival. Arrival marks Villeneuve’s Fantastic Fest debut, which has proven to be worth the wait as his spectacular science fiction feature promises to kick off proceedings in explosive fashion.

It wouldn’t be Fantastic Fest...

Fantastic Fest has announced the second wave of programming for this year’s edition of the Austin-based fête, which runs from September 22 — 29. “The Bad Batch,” a new restoration of 1971’s “The Zodiac Killer,” “Toni Erdmann,” “The Handmaiden” and opening-night selection “Arrival” are among the most prominent selections, with a number of appropriately oddball offerings thrown in as well. Full list below.

“Aalavandhalan” (Suresh Krissna)

Kamal Hassan stars in this ridiculously entertaining tale of an Indian commando pitted against his own serial killer twin brother in a deadly race to save the beautiful Tejaswini from certain death.

“Arrival” (Denis Villeneuve)

When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team — led by expert linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) — are brought together to investigate. As mankind teeters on the verge of global war, Banks and the team race against time for answers — and to find them, she will take a chance that could threaten her life,...