CHAPTER THREE: Anatomy of a Myth
Author Michael Butterfield examines the many myths surrounding the life and death of Zodiac victim Darlene Ferrin and dissects the theory that she had known her killer. Includes clips from Geraldo Rivera’s tabloid television show NOW IT CAN BE TOLD and an excerpt from The SALLY JESSY RAPHAEL SHOW with Robert Graysmith and Ferrin’s sister, Pam.
The best-selling book ZODIAC introduced the world to the story of the most elusive serial killer in American history - “The Zodiac.” Written by former cartoonist-turned-crime-writer Robert Graysmith, the book offered a compelling account of the case and offered the author’s theories concerning the methods, motives and identity of the killer.
Graysmith’s suspect - a convicted child molester once investigated by police yet never charged - became the subject of scrutiny by the media and amateur sleuths. After the suspect died under a cloud of suspicion, Graysmith claimed he had solved the case in his sequel ZODIAC UNMASKED. Known as “The Man Who Solved The Zodiac Murders,” Graysmith was featured in many television documentaries and interviews, and actor Jake Gyllenhall portrayed the cartoonist in the film adaptation of ZODIAC directed by David Fincher (FIGHT CLUB and SE7EN).
Michael Butterfield, a freelance writer and recognized expert on the unsolved Zodiac crimes examined Graysmith’s claims, theories and methods and discovered that the author’s books were more fiction than fact. Graysmith’s case against his prime suspect proved equally dubious and new DNA tests failed to link the man to the crimes.
While James Frey, author of the fictionalized personal memoir A MILLION LITTLE PIECES, faced scrutiny and criticism from his readers and the media, and even endured a televised interrogation by talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, Robert Graysmith not only continues to enjoy the celebrity spotlight but his revisionist account of the Zodiac crimes is widely accepted as fact.
The true story of the still-unsolved Zodiac case remains untold. This film debunks the many myths surrounding the crimes and provides a disturbing portrait of Robert Graysmith - UNMASKED.
Duration : 0:8:51
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