One of my 'top ten' favorites: Fincher's best film

Rating: 10/10 (15 October 2002)

David Fincher's 'The Game' is a surprisingly human thriller. Instead of the 'big thrills' with no thought or care for the characters, Fincher delivers to us a film that has some surprisingly poignant moments, mixed with some real smart 'big thrills'. The film's opening sequence, set to a quiet, somber piano piece sets the tone to a thriller that will impact us emotionally, as well as jerk our adrenaline.
Nicholas Van Orton[Michael Douglas] is bored. He makes sarcastic, biting remarks about his life while at the same time preparing for his 48th birthday, the same age at which his father killed himself. His brother Conrad[Sean Penn] surprises him with a birthday gift, a free membership to a company that, as Conrad says, ''will make your life fun.'' Since he really doesn't have very many other leisure activities and the memories of his father are bothering him, he decides to sign up. What he doesn't know is that 'The Game' may be too 'fun' for him.
The film is boistered by superb performances, including Douglas' best since 'Wall Street'. Deborah Kara Unger impresses as Christine, the waitressis she a waitress?]. Sean Penn is quite good[in a role meant for Jodie Foster of all people] at playing the somewhat spoiled and mouthy 'little brother'. The script has wickedly funny dialogue and gives the film a slight 'black comedy' feel. As usual in a Fincher film, the cinematography is dark and forebodding and creates a 'noir' atmosphere of sorts. Howard Shore's music is excellent: Instead of attacking us with bombastic chords, a sound as simple as a piano tinkling is used to make our hearts race. The plotting is ingenious and one plot twist after another is instigated until the film creates a spider-web of fear and paranoia that has us mind-boggled. The films themes[of redemption and paranoia] are followed through right to the end in an ending that some think is supremely contrived.
Why? The film has followed its logical course to this destination and fulfills its themes. I personally LOVE this ending and think it is one of the most surprising ones I've seen in recent movies. It twists us around one-hundred and eighty degrees, flips us upside down and leaves our mouths agape in a 'WOW' shape. I ask, 'Is there a better way to end a movie than that?'
I highly recommend this film: it is an astounding. arresting and emotionally exhausting thrill-ride that deserves multiple viewings to fully appreciate...........A true classic..... 10/10