Cult Movies 57

Rating: Null/10 (2 February 2002)

57. THE GAME (thriller/action, 1997) On the day of his birthday millionaire businessman Nicholas (Michael Douglas) is visited by his brother Conrad (Sean Penn) with a gift. The gift involves Nick signing up for a mysterious company which offers a 'game', which in turn offers participants a series of surprises that 'provides whatever is lacking' in their mundane life. Though a rather pessimistic and somber character Nick accepts in hopes of escaping the machinations of a solitary lifestyle. When the surprises the game offers become seriously deadly Nick wants out. But this particular game doesn't seem to offer any escape.
Critique: Nerve-wracking, high-wire act of a movie directed with guile precision by David Fincher. So far all of Finchers' features have been critically as well as financially good, unusual for someone whose concentrated on subversive material. Michael Douglas is good in the role of another heartless business-type in the 'Gordon Gekko' mold. He gives this character just the slight of hand & vulnerability panic that takes him into 'Twilight Zone' territory. It's also good to see Sean Penn in a less character driven role.
Film is made in such a way that every detail and action has an equal surprising reaction. The chaotic yet sequential events reach a climax of implausibility, yet they suck you in with its pervasive appeal. When the credits roll and you know its truly over it is strangely satisfying yet disappointing.
QUOTES: Conrad: 'What do you get for the man who has everything?'