Charlie Shackleton, a British director, had a unique journey when it came to his documentary project about the infamous Zodiac killer. Initially, he planned to create a traditional true-crime documentary, using Lyndon Lafferty's book, 'The Zodiac Killer Cover-Up: The Silenced Badge', as his primary source material. However, during a visit to Vallejo, California, where several of the Zodiac's murders took place, Shackleton encountered a roadblock. The estate of the late Lafferty declined to option the book, which led him to pivot his approach.
Instead of a conventional documentary, Shackleton decided to create 'Zodiac Killer Project'. This film explores the inner workings of true crime and the challenges of working within the genre. It delves into the complexities of the case, the multiple theories surrounding the killer, and the impact of other media, such as David Fincher's 'Zodiac' film, on the public's perception of the case.
Shackleton's approach was deliberate. He wanted to subvert the traditional mold of true crime by focusing on the process of making a documentary rather than just presenting the facts. He aimed to capture the absence of a film, using long shots of empty locations to convey the weight of the crime and the passage of time.
Despite the initial disappointment of not being able to make the traditional documentary, Shackleton found a new purpose in his project. He narrated the film, sharing his personal feelings about the process and the impact of the case on his life. The film's premiere marked a turning point for Shackleton, as he realized that his unique approach had resonated with an audience, and he had finally moved on from the 'true-crime monkey' on his back.
When asked about the identity of the Zodiac killer, Shackleton remained open-minded. He suggested that the killer might be someone who has never been identified by theorists, leaving room for further investigation and discussion.
