Analyzing Forensic Science Accuracy in Movies: "Zodiac" (2007)

Have you ever found yourself glued to a crime show or movie, watching those forensic scientists swoop in, solve the mystery in no time, and save the day? If you've ever wondered how spot-on those dramatic lab scenes are, you're not alone. Let's take a fun and witty deep dive into the world of forensic science in movies, starting with one of my personal favorites: "Zodiac" (2007).

Forensic Science might sound like a fancy term, but it boils down to solving mysteries about how a crime occured—often with more intrigue than a detective novel. It’s all about the autopsies, the evidence and DNA collection, and the painstaking process of piecing together clues. In real life, these scientists are like scientific sleuths, slowly and methodically solving the puzzle of crime. But in Hollywood? Oh boy, things get a little... dramatic.

In movies, forensic scientists often seem like clairvoyants, deducing a crime scene with a mere glance. Cue dramatic music and close-ups. However real life is a bit more nuanced. These professionals don’t just glance at a crinme scene; they conduct thorough examinations, collect samples, and sometimes spend days, even weeks, analyzing evidence. It’s less "Bingo!" and more "Let's get back to the lab."

Let's get into "Zodiac," a movie that delves into the infamous Zodiac Killer case. Directed by David Fincher and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo, this film isn't just a cinematic thriller—it’s a historical deep dive into one of America's most notorious serial killer investigations. The real-life Zodiac Killer sent taunting letters and cryptograms to newspapers, making the police’s job a bit like solving a twisted crossword puzzle with deadly consequences.

Now, let’s talk about some classic movie moments. One pivotal scene in "Zodiac" shows detectives examining a car involved in a crime. They spot a bullet and, without missing a beat, one detective picks it up with a pen. Pause. Rewind. No photos first? No gloves? In reality, this would be a major no-no. Evidence must be meticulously documented before anyone touches it. Picking up a bullet with a pen? That’s a contamination catastrophe waiting to happen! Forensic experts are trained to avoid such blunders because even a tiny DNA transfer could compromise the case.

But hey, it's not all Hollywood nonsense. "Zodiac" does get some things right. The movie showcases handwriting analysis, a real and critical part of the Zodiac investigation. The actual investigators compared the killer's distinctive writing and ciphers with samples from suspects, hoping to find a match. This method is portrayed with surprising accuracy in the film.

Another high note is the depiction of ballistics analysis. The film shows how experts examined bullets and shell casings from various crime scenes, which helped link the crimes and confirmed they were committed with the same firearm—a textbook forensic technique.

And then there’s the polygraph. A polygraph test determines whether or not a person is telling the truth. Federal government agencies such as the FBI, CIA, and NSA, as well as several police departments across the United States utilize these tests to screen new employees and interrogate suspects who might have committed a crime.The instrument measures and records physiological changes in blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while the subject answers a series of questions. The movie features suspects undergoing polygraph tests, a true-to-life detail since these were indeed used during the investigation. However, while the film portrays polygraphs as a significant investigative tool, it’s worth noting that in real life, they’re often considered unreliable and are not admissible in court. So, while polygraphs added drama, they were more of a wild card than a definitive truth serum.

So, did "Zodiac" nail the forensics? Well, it’s a mixed bag. The film offers a mostly accurate portrayal of the investigative methods used, even if it indulges in a few cinematic liberties here and there. It’s a fascinating blend of fact and fiction, with just enough real-world forensic science to keep us on the edge of our seats.

Next time you’re watching a crime thriller and see a forensic pathologist crack the case in minutes, remember: real life is slower, less glamorous, but just as crucial in the quest for justice. And in the world of forensic pathology, it's all about the details—no pens allowed.