‘Zodiac Killer Project’ Deconstructs True Crime’s Ethical and Creative Limits

Charlie Shackleton’s experimental documentary critiques the formulaic nature of true crime while exploring his unrealized film about the Zodiac Killer.

Charlie Shackleton's 'Zodiac Killer Project,' which premiered at Sundance, examines the unmade documentary he intended to create about the Zodiac Killer case.
The film critiques the true crime genre, highlighting its reliance on repetitive tropes and ethical compromises in pursuit of audience engagement.
Shackleton narrates his envisioned film, using static shots and minimalist visuals to explore what remains when traditional storytelling elements are removed.
The project reflects on the market-driven pressures that funnel filmmakers into formulaic genres and questions the creative value of such work.
Shackleton’s work also scrutinizes the true crime industry’s moral contradictions, including its simultaneous critique and exploitation of sensationalism.