Say “zodiac” and among the most common responses you’ll find, from random people to search bars, is “killer.” This enigmatic monster has long haunted true crime circles, his unsolved crimes and strange cypher earning him status as an American Jack the Ripper. Many tried to catch the murderer back in the 70s, but the search for truth continues today, including dozens of suspects from those seriously considered by police investigators to bizarre dark jokes like Ted Cruz. Filmmaker Charlie Shackleton found himself captivated by the narrative and, despite his lack of experience in the true crime genre, he dreamed up a film and tried to get the rights to make it. Unable to get the project off the ground, Charlie found himself pondering the nature of the true crime genre. Follow his path through a film which never came to be, and question alongside him what these stories mean to you and how they might be manipulating you.
Zodiac Killer Project is a unique one, a commentary track for an unmade film. This strange format unfolds, both with excitement for the storytelling process and with deep metanalysis of the genre as a whole. Shackleton leads the conversation with flow of consciousness interruptions when something strikes him: Often, tropes exist in nearly every true-crime documentary that cannot be avoided, and many exist to manipulate the viewer into dropping their ethical standards. While the discussion is fascinating, the style of the documentary often wanes from the evocative b-roll used to help tell the story of the unmade film into long seminars on analysis of the genre and the society that loves it. This is not a documentary that wants to grab you by the shoulders and shake you, but one that invites you to a pleasant conversation on the couch with a cup of tea. As interested and invested as I was in this analysis, Shackleton’s soft voice caused me to doze off once or twice. This film will call most strongly to public library patrons who want deep discussion of media analysis. Recommended.
Why should public and academic libraries consider adding this documentary to their collections?
Zodiac Killer Project offers an unusually reflective take on the true crime genre, focusing less on the sensationalism of unsolved murders and more on how these stories are constructed, consumed, and culturally reinforced. Charlie Shackleton uses the abandoned idea of a Zodiac film to explore narrative conventions, ethical blind spots, and the audience’s own complicity in seeking entertainment from real-world violence. For public libraries, it is a strong fit for patrons interested in media analysis, documentary form, and cultural studies. Academic libraries may find it especially useful for courses in film studies, media literacy, genre analysis, and contemporary nonfiction storytelling, offering students a meta-level perspective on how true crime continues to shape public imagination.
Is this documentary a good fit for community or classroom screenings?
Yes, particularly for discussion-based environments. The film’s gentle, conversational approach encourages viewers to reflect on how they engage with true crime narratives and why these stories hold such enduring influence. Rather than providing a linear investigation, it prompts audiences to consider questions of authorship, responsibility, and the emotional mechanics of nonfiction storytelling. For classrooms, it works well in seminars focused on documentary ethics, narrative construction, or pop-cultural fascination with crime. For community groups, it can anchor thoughtful conversations about why certain stories are retold endlessly while others are forgotten.
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