Casey Affleck is the New "One to Watch"

Rating: 10/10 (20 October 2007)

I went to see Gone Baby Gone desperately hoping for a taut thriller that wouldn't insult my intelligence and would hold my attention. Boy, I wasn't disappointed! I haven't been able to stop thinking about the movie since I saw it. Casey Affleck was just simply mesmerizing. I couldn't take my eyes off him. What a great actor he has developed into. I knew him from the Ocean's movies and from Gerry. I've heard he's brilliant in Jesse James, but now I've witnessed it for myself. He is the new one to watch of his generation. His performance was so nuanced, but so captivating. Every emotion played on his face and Ben gave him lots of close-ups so we could feel it. I completely believed in his character. I was also extremely impressed with Ben's directing abilities. Wow, he has really developed into a more-than-competent film director. Some scenes were so effective and held me in a trance. The scene where Patrick joins the cops in the raid on the house was beautiful, when the scene went silent and time stood still for those very long seconds. You felt every heartbeat in Patrick's chest. The cinematography was beautiful...such gorgeous and luscious shots of those downtrodden neighbourhoods. All the performances were first-rate; however, I do have to agree with some reviewers that Morgan Freeman seemed to be out of place. He is just too big for the small role that was bestowed upon him. Although I love Mr. Freeman, I think a lesser-known actor would have been more effective. Amy Ryan was spot-on as Helene. A brave performance with no hesitation to reveal every flaw and no clichéd attempts to redeem this pitiful woman. People don't change. I could go on and on. But all I want to do is say, go see this movie. You will be hard pressed to see a better one this year. Leonardo who?? Casey Affleck is the young actor you want to star in your next movie.