Cast
View AllJoel Gretsch
as Neil Martin
Aaron Douglas
as Agent Woodward
Reilly Dolman
as Colin Martin
Emily Holmes
as Kathryn Keen
Andrea Brooks
as Sophie
Ben Cotton
as Marty Fitzgerald
Christopher Lloyd
as Harry Setag
Doug Chapman
as Agent Tyler
Russell Roberts
as Dr. Bowles
Raf Rogers
as Joel
Wolfgang Klassen
as Agent
Jessica Storm Smith
as Jennifer
Crew
Director
- W.D. Hogan
Writer
- David Sanderson
Producer
- Gilles LaPlante
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Zodiac explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director W.D. Hogan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Zodiac took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 334 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Zodiac shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Fifth Element, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Zodiac offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Day After Tomorrow and Southland Tales explore similar territory, Zodiac stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 16, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 29m