Thriller Title Sequence Analysis: Zodiac
- 1. Thriller Title Sequence Analysis David Fincher’s “Zodiac” Dimitris P.
- 2. Font The typewriter font exudes a 60’s impression and resonates with the main character’s job and setting: Political Cartoonist working for the San Francisco Chronicle. It dissipates into letters of the Zodiac’s ciphers, emanating mystery and enigma and foreshadowing the codes that the Zodiac will make.
- 3. Visuals The sepia filter displays a rustic element to the hustle and bustle of a 20th Century newsroom. The faintly yellow/jaundice colouring, also adds to this effect, while reminding the audience to not let their guard down, as the killer in the previous scene is still on the loose, because although the bright lights contrast with the dark lighting from the previous scene, it is not naturally or purely bright; it seems like artificial lighting - an artificial sense of safety.
- 4. Audio Along with ambient sounds of the city, cars and chattering rooms of people, Latin rock band Santana’s “Soul Sacrifice”, plays over the title sequence. The rapid drum fills and bongo movements synchronised with the organ adds to the 60’s feel while also emphasising the effect of the tumult of a San Francisco morning routine including traffic and coffee. It is also in appropriate use because of the songs rise to fame due to its live performance in Woodstock 1969, which is around the same time of the Zodiac killer’s murders, showing the relevance to the times with the song.