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.
