the game (film, 1997) ↑
I had heard good things about David Fincher's 1997 film "The Game" for many years but had never watched it. When I saw the Netflix recommendation the other night, I knew it was time to finally see it.
The story follows Nicholas Van Orton, played brilliantly by Michael Douglas. We meet Nicholas, a wealthy yet emotionally detached businessman living alone in San Francisco. For his 48th birthday, his younger brother Conrad (played by Sean Penn) gifts him an unusual present - a voucher for a game/experience run by a mysterious company called Consumer Recreation Services. Nicholas is reluctant at first but decides to try it, hoping it will liven things up. Little does he know the game will spiral completely out of control, pulling him into a confusing and dangerous scenario that blurs the lines between reality and deception.
From the moment Nicholas meets with the representative from CRS and signs up for the game, the thought-provoking concept of the movie is firmly established. As the viewers, we are right there alongside Nicholas, trying to figure out what's real and what's part of the elaborate scheme. Every small interaction or incident seems plausible but leaves you wondering, "Is this actually happening, or is it just part of the game?" The movie does an incredible job of keeping you second-guessing everything. Even during the most chaotic and intense scenes, that core question of reality vs deception remains at the forefront.
What really sells it is Michael Douglas' compelling performance. He portrays Nicholas as a typically stoic wealthy man, detached from real human emotions and connections. But as the game chips away at his sense of security and control, we see him slowly unravel in a very believable way. Douglas does an amazing job of conveying the character's confusion, paranoia, and growing desperation through subtle facial expressions and body language. Even when the plot grows more outrageous, he grounds the movie and keeps you invested in Nicholas' experience. It's a thrilling performance to watch unfold.
The supporting cast is also quite strong. As Nicholas' carefree brother Conrad, Sean Penn helps establish some important context about the two brothers' differences. Deborah Kara Unger also makes an impression as the mysterious woman who may or may not be involved in the game.
Beyond the awesome central performances, I was also (again) blown away by David Fincher's slick direction. He crafts an incredibly moody and unsettling atmosphere throughout with his creative camerawork, artistic lighting, and well-timed stingers in the score. The movie feels dark, gritty, and paranoid - a perfect match for the psychological head games. Fincher constantly ramps up the mystery, tension, and stakes so the movie never loses its steam.
What's most impressive is how well-written the elaborate plot really is. With so many twists and turns, it would be easy for things to get convoluted or nonsensical, but the script holds up. No matter how strange, every revelation is smoothly incorporated into the story's progression and leaves just as many questions unanswered. I'm sure new details would come to light even on a rewatch. It's an example of a thriller that gets more fun and re-watchable the more you think about it.
Now, I will say the over-the-top theatrics do start to stretch credibility in the pivotal third act. Some of the twists and reveals border on pure absurdity. But at that point, you're so invested in the experience that it's easy to go along with the insanity and just enjoy the mind-bending ride. Fincher also directs those sequences with such adrenaline and style that they cushion any logical gaps. In a way, the ridiculousness adds to the fun, postmodern mindset of the movie.
Ultimately, The Game left me with that unsettled yet thought-provoking feeling that great psychological thrillers aim to achieve. I love how open to interpretation the ambiguous conclusion feels. There are some poignant themes about the meaningless pursuit of wealth, loss of connection in modern society, and our willingness to immerse ourselves in constructed realities. But most of all, it's compelling entertainment with some of the craziest plot swerves I've seen.
More than 25 years later, Fincher's flick holds up remarkably well. It offers an unforgettable cinematic experience for a new viewer. This is definitely one 1990s thriller that deserves rediscovery by modern audiences.