20 Things You Didn't Know About Zodiac

13. Fincher Gave Jake Gyllenhaal A Doll & Old-Fashioned Diaper To Prepare For His Role

Zodiac Poster
Warner Bros.

The role of Robert Graysmith called for Jake Gyllenhaal to be more than just a young cartoonist who becomes obsessed with the Zodiac case - he also had to be convincing in the part of a father.

And so, Fincher baffled his star by reportedly giving him a doll and an old-fashioned diaper as preparatory props for the role.

Given that Fincher has spoken openly about finding Gyllenhaal "scattered" and "distracted" during the shoot, perhaps he was hoping such a bizarre move might help focus his energies in the right direction.

You can't really argue with the end result, even if it's definitely a weird tactic, even for Fincher.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.