The Game (David Fincher, 1997): USA

Reviewed by William Conlin. Viewed on DVD.

When watching films, I find a certain “suspension of disbelief” is necessary. For some films, it doesn’t take a lot, but in the case of David Fincher’s mystery/thriller The Game it takes the term to a whole new level. But, if you can do it successfully, this will be a deeply enjoyable film.

Successful investment banker Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas) is a lonely man who takes solace in only one thing: his work. The day before Nicholas’ 40th birthday, his playboy brother Conrad (Sean Penn) comes to town for lunch. Conrad is worried about Nicholas because their father committed suicide on his 40th birthday. As a birthday gift, Conrad arranges for Nicholas to take part in a “game” specially tailored for extremely wealthy individuals. Nicholas agrees to take a complete evaluation, both mental and physical, to see if he can handle the game. After a whole day of tests, he is informed he has been denied and cannot participate in the game, or so he thinks. As Nicholas goes on with his life, strange things start to happen. Soon he discovers he is actually participating in the game and it has taken over every aspect of his life. Now, running for his life and with no one left to help him, Nicholas decides to turn the game around and take control, but one final twist changes everything.

This film is absolutely top rate. It has a perfect star in Michael Douglas and although his role is small, Sean Penn is excellent. With Deborah Kara Unger as Douglas’ love interest and veteran character actor James Rebhorn as a lead member of “The Game”, this cast well rounded. Thanks to John Brancato and Michael Ferris’ great script, these actors keep the viewer guessing at every turn.

I found this film to be in good hands with Director David Fincher at the helm. Still somewhat early in his career, The Game showcases his growing style of dark and brooding cinema. With the help of Cinematographer Harris Savides (who also worked with Fincher on Zodiac), I love how they portray Nicholas’ changing world. As he plunges deeper into the game his surroundings grow darker until he reaches a critical moment, where the viewer is hit by an unexpected shift to blinding light. The mastery shown in this film (that has continued in every film made by Fincher since) puts him in my book as no less than a modern contemporary to Alfred Hitchcock.

As I said earlier, this film has an ending that no one can see coming. Films with a big twist ending are usually boring on the second viewing since the whole film builds up to that moment, but not in this case. This is the second time I’ve seen The Game and I enjoyed it just as much as the first. This film is a heart pounding thrill ride with brains and I think that’s not something you find every day.