JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonThe Game (1997) - Trailer Included
May 14th 2007 02:04
The Game
JD is off to see a preview screening for David Fincher’s latest Zodiac tonight, so it seems timely to revisit one of his lesser discussed successes.
DVD Cover
Director:David Fincher
Writer:Michael Ferris & John D Brancato
Starring:Sean Penn, Michael Douglas, Peter Donat, Deborah Kara Unger, Carroll Baker, Anna Katarina, Armin Mueller-Stahl
“Discovering the object of the game…IS the object of the game.” – Daniel Schorr
The Game is a taut, imaginative thriller that torments a journey of self discovery, examining how power and wealth corrupt and isolate.
“And you really believe that just because you publish children's books, people are going to care about my reputation? You can have pictures of me wearing nipple rings, butt-fucking Captain Kangaroo. The only thing they care about is the stock and whether that stock is up or down!” – Nicholas Van Orten
Nicholas Van Orten (Michael Douglas) is a lucratively successful investment broker who has detached himself from society and lives only to succeed. A surprise visit from his estranged brother Conrad (Sean Penn) on his birthday is unappreciated and the mysterious gift he bares is met with little interest.
Gradually his curiosity is piqued and with the certificate his brother gave him, Nicholas decides to drop by the offices of the enigmatic CSR (Consumer Recreation Services). Subjected to a full day of rigorous physical and psychological testing. Still little is revealed about the true nature of "The Game" other than it is a life altering experience.
“The game is tailored specifically to each participant. Think of it as a great vacation, except you don't go to it, it comes to you.” - Jim
A compulsive perfectionist, Nicholas is sceptical and frustrated by the seeming lack of organization, that’s until he is informed that he failed to meet the standards to participate. What he doesn’t realise is that “The Game” has already begun and he is approaching the epicentre of deadly and complex world that threatens to destroy everything that defines him.
“They fuck you and fuck you and fuck you, and just when you think it's over, that's when the real fucking begins!” – Conrad
Ok time to see a shrink, these thoughts are just wrong.
John Doe says:
Released between the Director David Fincher’s two defining works Se7en and Fight Club the film is often overlooked due to comparisons. Stylishly shot the suspenseful and inventive linear plot pulls you in with its complexities and satisfies in its character resolution.
Fincher’s flair with the tools of cinema is apparent early on, he creates a tense atmosphere immediately. Restraining the visual trickery so it elevates the story without undermining it, the editing manipulates the mood and tempo without being obvious.
The clever screenplay is always in motion, developing its central character and peripherals so that the audience never relaxes and must always work with the film to solve the puzzle.
Michael Douglas (Wonderboys, the Star Chamber, Coma, Traffic, War of The Roses, China Syndrome) is ideally cast, playing a variation on the Oscar winning Gordon Gekko role that defined him for a generation.
Always a dynamo, Sean Penn (U-Turn, Falcon and the Snowman, Sweet and Lowdown, Carlito's Way) makes the most of his limited screen time, as the unreliable, flaky younger brother all his scenes are memorable. There is a pain, sadness and anxiety that is always present in the part.
Keep an eye out for classic actress Carroll Baker (How The West Was Won, Giant, Sylvia) as Van Orten’s housekeeper. Director Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich) also turns up as a Doctor for a brief cameo.
This is the first movie John Doe ever saw with his soon to be wife so it has a sentimental place in his heart. That aside the film is a cracking good time ride that engages the mind and inspires conversation after the final credits have ended.
Astute cinephiles may notice a resemblance to Richard Rush’s cult gem The Stuntmen. Scary thought, there is also a real life “Game” that has uber rich members like Bill Gates following intricate and expensively staged clues.
The DVD:
Transfer: Anamorphic Widescreen/5.1 Dolby Digital
Extras: Trailer
There is supposedly a new 2 Disc Special Edition out now in Oz that has a commentary, making of and I also hope the alternate ending from the Criterion Collection LaserDisc.
Spoiler Alert:
Never seen it but the rumour I heard was that instead of going inside the hotel at the end, Van Orten catches a cab and leaves!
The Trailer
Spoiler clip- It starts. A clown, a TV newscaster and a miniature camera torment Michael Douglas.
Here is one of JD’s favourite scenes as the colours and light dance to Jefferson Aeroplane blaring ala Michael Mann’s "Manhunter" aka "Red Dragon".
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Comment by David
I love 7 (the film; tell your wife-to-be not to worry, okay? And congrats) and really like Fight Club ...
7 (the film) is hard to beat ... it's just so memorable, and the subject matter appeals immensely to me ...
Yet The Game is a fantastic film in its own right ... To me it's 'tight' (both the writing and direction) ... The story (and idea/premise behind it) is brilliant, and I don't remember seeing one meaningless scene in it ...
The only reason I don't re-watch it a lot (like I do other films) is because it's a bit like Fight Club itself, as in, once you realise at the end what it's all about, it's hard to re-experience that 'Wow' factor again ...
Just random thoughts ... (on a fuzzy-brained day ...
David ...
Comment by Nickoftime's Sanity Corner
I loved this movie...Douglas was pretty good, and the ending was a shocker..
Great review!
Take care,
Nick
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Yes, very under-rated. Apparently the producer's paid Sean Penn handsomely for his relatvely short stint, as he had declared he wasn't going to act again, and instead concentrate on directing, but they lured him, and the cheque was fat (it meant he could purchase a great new home with new wife Robin Wright Penn) ....
I'd love to get the special edition!
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!!
I saw this movie at a somewhat stressful time so I don't think I appreciated it as much as I could have... I loved the idea of Consumer Recreation Services but half the game's elements seemed too risky for anyone to attempt to impose on another individual in 'real life' (whatever that means).
I agree that the atmosphere of suspense was very well developed, and the framing of each shot was stylish and sultry.
I also loved the colours in the vandalism scene and now I know the name of the band that was playing, but can you tell me more about the Mann/Red Dragon reference?
I envy your preview-nabbing skills, I have to wait all the way till Thursday with the rest of the public! ;o)
Catch you later,
Postmodern
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
What do you mean, lol? Or do I want to know? Or are you speaking as Michael Douglas?
Comment by Ginger Snap
"Wife" - still sounds weird after all this time. I can't believe you actually managed to type it !
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials, that's great news.
I haven't seen this film but your review has piqued my interest. Yet another one to add to my 'to see' list.....
Tracy
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Hi David,
I agree that all 3 are fine efforts and The Game is punchy and economic.
Hi Bryn,
I saw the Special Edition at JB a few weeks ago for $15.98 but never went back, "doh".......Penn Rules!
Hi Nick of time...
Douglas can be great in the right part (Wonderboys is my fave) and this one is played with sweaty intensity.
Hi Postmodern,
Back in 1986 Michael Mann made a film named Manhunter that was based on the novel Red Dragon (with Brian Cox from Zodiac as Hannibal Lecter)....near the end there is a scene where " White Rabbit" by Jeffereson Airplane blares with inciderary colours of urban psychadelic appeal....I highly recommend the film.
Oh and I was emoting through Douglas's POV about how close he was getting to teh creepy clown dolls mouth. (sick and twisted
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
The Game really lends itself to the "Movies and Life" format so I hope you watch it soon because Id be interested to hear what you thought.