Unraveling the Zodiac: A Fresh Take on True Crime

The Zodiac Killer case has been the subject of many documentaries, but Charlie Shackleton's "Zodiac Killer Project" stands out. It's not just another retelling of the same old story.

A Filmmaker Known for Innovation

Shackleton is known for his unique approach to filmmaking. His previous work, "The Afterlight," was a one-of-a-kind film designed to slowly disappear with each screening.

The Spark of Interest

Shackleton's interest in the Zodiac case started with a book: "The Zodiac Killer Cover-Up: The Silenced Badge" by California Highway Patrol officer Lyndon E. Lafferty. Lafferty claimed to have seen the Zodiac killer, a man named George Russell Tucker, in 1971 and believed powerful people were protecting him.

A Change of Plans

Shackleton's plans changed when he couldn't secure the rights to the book. This setback led him to create something entirely new. "Zodiac Killer Project" is not a typical true-crime documentary. It's a mix of satire, analysis, and a deep dive into the nature of cinema.

Breaking the Mold

True-crime documentaries often follow a familiar pattern: crime-scene tape, re-enactments, and interviews with cops. This format has become so common that it's easy to parody. Shows like "American Vandal" and sketches like "Missing Wives" on "Saturday Night Live" have made fun of these tropes. But there are also serious documentaries that ask us to think about our obsession with true crime.

A Fresh Perspective

Shackleton's documentary is not just about the Zodiac killer. It's about the way we tell stories about crime, the way we consume these stories, and the way these stories shape our understanding of the world. It's a fresh take on a familiar subject.