1. Zodiac (2007)
The police and newspaper procedural as a never-ending, almost existential chase film, David Finchers Zodiac is a forceful, compelling story of the multi-year hunt for San Franciscos Zodiac killer. Anchored by typically smart direction, a crackling script and three outstanding performances from its lead characters (Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr, and Mark Ruffalo), Zodiac drives forward despite its hefty run time, always keeping us interested despite the occasional lapses in traditional action. What Fincher does with Zodiac is make the case as much of an obsession for the audience as it is for the characters, hooking us from the beginning and never letting us go. The fact that the case remains unsolved to this day, a fact that the movie respects, makes it all the more maddening. We understand why these people need to know the truth even once the case seems obsolete because we have the same hunger. But thats not to say that this movie isnt without its thrills. Fincher knows how to control and pace the picture perfectly, allowing tension and terror to suddenly launch themselves at us out of nowhere, only to disappear as quickly. The direction leaves on constantly on our toes, always aware that some new twist or turn could emerge.
Fincher also styles the film with a smooth 70s feel, with gorgeous images and scenery that bring the world of the film to life; that place us inside it. Fincher, more than most other directors, knows exactly how to control and craft his films without his direction getting in the way, a talent hes grown into as his career has progressed. Had he made this film years ago, it probably would have carried the same grit and grime as Se7en, but would have been worse for it. Fincher now knows when to get dirty and when to stay clean, how to create beautiful images that still reflect fear and terror. One of the things thats so unnerving about Zodiac is how sanitary and well put together the whole picture feels. When the violence hits, its not hitting us in the expected places. Its invading an organized, beautiful world, making it all the more realistic and potent. Zodiac is, for my money, the most underrated film of the new century. Its a film thats as involving on the sixth or seventh watch as it is on the first. Not as famous as many of Finchers other films but better than most of them (Social Network aside), as times goes on hopefully Zodiac will be recognized for what it truly is: a masterwork, made by one of our greatest filmmakers at the top of his game. As always, feel free to comment with any films that you think have been particularly overlooked or underrated since the year 2000.