The Game

How in the hell does a director follow-up Se7en? It is a swell problem to have to find an answer for but whatever answer you choose it will bring with it some amount of disappointment. The Game was a good choice by David Fincher. It had the cerebral nature of Se7en while not being as grim. This is the type of character that Michael Douglas was born to play and whenever he does show up as this guy an enjoyable product is produced. The Game is one of these times.

Whenever these movies appear, I wonder if Michael Douglas is comfortable with the fact that most of the world believes he is this type of guy in real life. These characters are way too natural for him. Let’s list off the characteristics shall we, rich, sarcastic, bastard. Check, check, and check. The gang’s all here. Even though he is the protagonist, it is still fun to watch him twist on the hook trying to figure out just what in the world is going on. The way his annoyance is portrayed or his sarcasm keeps showing up is great. This is made even better by having Sean Penn show up to play one of his manic characters. Although he has only 3 scenes, each of those 3 scenes are fun to watch while he bounces around off Douglas. I do have to say that this was a pretty shit birthday gift. In the end they hug and the rich bastard learned a lesson but was this really something you would give someone you love? The whole plan was to get the man to kill himself and this is a good thing? What is wrong with you people? I highly doubt that I need money to disconnect myself even further from the world. I am doing quite all right on my own and definitely do not need some sketchy company screwing with my life so that I see how poorly I am living it. That being said, Fincher makes it work. He is able to film these ridiculous situations without leaving reality. The scenes where all the people in the hospital disappear and the where Douglas is locked in the back of the cab and driven into a lake are the highlights of what could have come off as absurd but came off great on screen. It is because Fincher was able to make each scene work that the whole movie flies by and keeps you wondering what is real and what is not.

The Game is a good stop in between Se7en and Fight Club for David Fincher. Although it may not compete for the top spot, it is a quality film that even holds together on the second viewing after everything has been revealed. And it may be the same Michael Douglas character, but it is the same Michael Douglas character done well. It may not be the best idea in reality but The Game works as a movie.

8 out of 10