MovieChat Forums > Zodiac (2007) Discussion > Am I The Only One Who Likes Zodiac Bette...

Am I The Only One Who Likes Zodiac Better than Se7en?

posted 10 years ago by miguelcardoso36
14 replies | jump to latest

Recently I've been more interested on serial killer movies. I knew that Fincher had two quintessential serial killer movies, Zodiac and Se7en. Se7en, particularly, had been in my watchlist for a long time since it has a big score here on IMDb. However, upon watching both movies, I liked Zodiac much more than Se7en. I felt that Zodiac's story was definitely more interesting and the movie's style was, in my opinion, much better (the choice of music, camera angles, scenes). Adding to that, the murders, albeit few, were more shocking and unexpected than the ones in Se7en, especially since I hadn't done any research on the Zodiac Killer before. I wasn't intrigued in the story for the most part of Se7en. I wasn't quite as "glued" to the screen as much as I was with Zodiac. Not only that, but Zodiac felt much better paced than Se7en, the almost 160min. running time was smooth, and the movie didn't get boring in any part

So, is anyone in the same boat as I? I felt that Zodiac felt much more slicker, intriguing and cooler than Se7en. Fincher really nailed the 60s/70s vibe with Zodiac.

[–] alexcrim 10 years ago

Zodiac is my favorite Fincher film.

[–] miguelcardoso36 10 years ago

Yes, I think I agree with you. Although I've only seen some of his, but Zodiac is definitely my favourite.

[–] jfurness4 10 years ago

You have to take into account that Zodiac is based on a series of real world factual murders with the movie acting as a reconstruction from the accounts of the survivors and subsequent investigation whereas Se7en was played as entertainment and eleborate in the form of the murders and the killers motive,it's a mainstream film,I love both though and Fincher.

[–] haakon-6 10 years ago

I love seven but i also think Zodiac is a better film. I didn't think so the first time i saw it, but after the second time i moved it to the top of the Fincher list.

[–] 10 years ago

[deleted]

[–] EJverh 10 years ago

Seven is exceptional but by the time Fincher got to Zodiac, spending so much time in the research of it and was in many ways his 'baby' of a project, he gave his all into this film and also bu then he grew into a pro that he is regarded to be today. So, the passion for the project, intense research and better, much more developed skills as a director all account for the fact that yes, Zodiac resulted in being a much better film in almost all aspects of his story telling skills as a director.

[–] Kiltuy 9 years ago

No, you are not. Zodiac blows Se7en out of the water.

[–] moviefool09 9 years ago

Both are similar in theme but also quite different in execution (no pun intended). "Se7en" is more pulpy, more fantastical, though extremely gritty in its presentation. It has a realistic feel, but "Zodiac" is blood-cold chilling in its realism, almost in a throwaway manner...which makes it even more terrifying in my opinion. The lake stabbings stand out for me, in this way.

I find "Se7en" entertaining in a car crash spectator kind of way. "Zodiac" is more frightening, in my opinion, but both are landmark films. One gets the feeling Fincher could direct these kinds of movies in his sleep.

"The future is tape, videotape, and NOT film?"

[–] do-bye 8 years ago

Zodiac was more mysterious!!!💀

"Peace and love"

[–] SingleServingJack 8 years ago

Seven is stylized almost like a comic-book. The lighting, the grotesque killings, the constant rain. It's a great story, but it's much more simple, more gimmicky, almost cartoonish in nature.

Zodiac on the other hand is mature filmmaking. It's based on a real case. The movie is constantly delivering a lot of factual information that's rooted in reality and that requires focus. The performances are grounded, subdued - in other words civil. The cinematography and lighting is great, but it doesn't create a heightened reality. And there are very few Hollywood gimmicks to help the drama, etc. - the movie doesn't play things for effect.

Seven is a thrilling popcorn movie, Zodiac is a mature procedural drama.

I'm over 30, so I find Seven almost too simplistic now. Zodiac all the way and it's definitely a criminally overlooked movie. A strong candidate for being Fincher's best, yet few seem to know it.


Laura:You left a dead prostitute buried alone in the desert?
Kyle:She's not alone.

[–] leathanl 8 years ago

I too thought it was much better. At every point where "Se7en" would have been stomach-turning or depressing, "Zodiac" was moody, intense, smart and mysterious.