Smartly crafted thriller

Rating: Null/10 (4 October 1999)

The Game is the story of wealthy but coldhearted Nicolas Van Orton (Douglas), an emotionally closed off businessman who receives a gift certificate from his little brother Conrad (Penn) which entitles him to play the game, a mysterious game where the player doesn't know what he gets into. Soon there after, Nicolas signs up and gets a lot more than he bargained for as his life takes a turn for the worst. He doesn't know who to trust and who's in on the game. An underrated movie, The Game is smart with plenty of plot twists leading all the way to the shocking climax. Just when you think things have gotten the worst, it gets worse. David Fincher's unique visual style is put on to this excellent thriller. Truly an excellent film. Particularly shocking moments occur after Nicolas is drugged and left for dead in Mexico only to come back stronger. By far, this is one of the best films of 1997 and should've gotten an oscar nomination for best screenplay.