Zodiackiller.com Message Board: Zodiac Media: New thriller about Zodiac killer in works

New thriller about Zodiac killer in works

HOLLYWOOD, California (Reuters) -- Phoenix Pictures is developing a thriller based on the Zodiac killer, who committed at least 37 murders in the San Francisco area from 1966 to 1978, Variety reports.

His exploits previously inspired pictures such as "Dirty Harry" and the 1971 B movie "The Zodiac Killer."

The primary character in the new project is Robert Graysmith, author of two books on the subject, 1986's "Zodiac" and the sequel, "Zodiac Unmasked: The Identity of America's Most Elusive Serial Killer Revealed," published in April.

In 1968, Graysmith was an editorial cartoonist at the San Francisco Chronicle, where the Zodiac killer sent taunting letters documenting his deeds. The letters inspired Graysmith to begin his own investigation. He believes he identified the killer, but competing investigations and other circumstances meant the suspect was never apprehended. The man in question died in 1992.

Graysmith, who calls "Zodiac" "the most amazing case I've ever uncovered," says he's happy to subject his life to any liberties that the development process might take. "They can do whatever what they want with me. It'll enliven a rather dull life."

His two books will be adapted for the screen by Jamie Vanderbilt, screenwriter of "Basic," a John Travolta thriller scheduled for release in February.

"I read the first book when I was 15," Vanderbilt told Daily Variety. "It's a story about obsession on both sides."

Graysmith's first "Zodiac" book is in its 35th printing, with more than 4 million copies in print. Walt Disney's option on the book expired this summer. Phoenix won the option for both titles against multiple bidders.

Graysmith also is the author of "The Murder of Bob Crane," which was recently adapted by Michael Gerbosi as the Sony Pictures Classics feature "Auto Focus," starring Greg Kinnear as the ill-fated actor.

Geee... what a shock it aint that Graysmith is the "primary character in the new project".

Here's a little followup I found today:

Zodiac Killer Story Sets Sights for Big Screen
Fri, Oct 18, 2002, 09:10 AM PT

HOLLYWOOD (Zap2it.com) – A new film based on the infamous Zodiac killer is being developed by Phoenix Pictures. The 1971 Clint Eastwood classic “Dirty Harry” was also inspired by the serial killer who murdered nearly 40 people in the San Francisco area between 1966 and 1978.

This film, reports Variety will focus on author Robert Graysmith, who wrote two bestselling books on the subject, 1986's "Zodiac" and the sequel, "Zodiac Unmasked: The Identity of America's Most Elusive Serial Killer Revealed," released this past spring.

"They can do whatever what they want with me. It'll enliven a rather dull life," the author tells the trade.

Graysmith was an editorial cartoonist at the San Francisco Chronicle when the killer began sending the paper letters in 1968. After beginning his own investigation, the author believes he discovered who the murderer was but authorities were unable to make any arrests. The suspect died in 1992.

Graysmith also wrote “The Murder of Bob Crane” which has been turned into a feature film by Paul Schrader titled “Auto Focus” starring Greg Kinnear.


http://www.zap2it.com/movies/news/story/0,1259,---14111,00.html

You have to admire Graysmith's "Gosh, it tweren't nothin'" attitude. I understand that the scenes in which he fabricates evidence are quite gripping. This picture is probably being "developed" in a FotoMat.