The Game (1997)

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 1/5/14 at 10:31pm

Has anybody seen this movie? I'm a huge David Fincher fan, and this is the only movie in his catalogue that I had not seen. I just watched it tonight and I'm curious what others think. The movie made me so uncomfortable, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't believe I waited this long to see it.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/5/14 at 11:02pm

I think it's one of the greatest films of all time. I've always said, if I could go back in time to see one movie again for the first time, this would be the one.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 1/5/14 at 11:07pm

I definitely think it is one of Fincher's best, which is saying a lot. It is so atmospheric, so disturbing. I am still unsettled by the ending, even though it ends on a "happy" note. I have avoided this movie for so long because I thought it was your typical bland 90s thriller. Boy, was I wrong.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/5/14 at 11:23pm

This is one of those movies where you'll be recommending it to people until the day you die.

[strummergirl]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 12:48am

Of Fincher's 90s work, I think it has aged the best mainly because it is so old-fashioned while showing Fincher's strength as an eye for design of a scene. Douglas is perfect for the role.

I definitely do think it belongs in the discussion as Fincher's best.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 1:42am

I completely agree with you Strummer, though I have to say, I am more loyal to 2000s Fincher.

[tinysmagic]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 2:16am

I ****ing LOVE this movie!!!! And I am no fan of Michael Douglas , but he is supreme in this flick. Have to admit I didn't really understand it in full the first time, but multiple viewings make it even better.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 7:18am

This is an awesome movie. I also had to watch it a couple of times to truly appreciate it. I was surprised that it did not well when it was initially released despite getting good reviews.

It's gained a fan base over the years.

I need to re visit this one soon.

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 7:50am

I strongly, strongly disliked this movie the first time I saw it. It struck me as too cut-and-dried, too on the nose, and unsatisfying because of that. Only when I caught it again a few years later did I appreciate the craftsmanship at work. I think this and “Moulin Rouge” are two of the only movies I’ve done completely 180-degree turnarounds on.

[Roscoe]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 9:27am

Lots of craftsmanship, lots of filmmaking expertise going on in that Fincher way: gorgeous cinematography and production and all that entails. The only things missing is an interesting script and a lead performance that got me even remotely interested in what was supposed to be going on. All flash, nothing even remotely resembling substance.

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 9:31am

But you loved James Rebhorn, right?

[Roscoe]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 9:32am

I kind of dug Sean Penn -- he wiped up the screen with poor old Michael Douglas.

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 9:36am

I like them both in it. Neither are really doing career-high work, but they're solid. It has been a really long time since I've seen it from beginning to end, though.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 12:18pm

I had no idea the movie had this type of following. Glad it does. I plan to re-watch Seven, Fight Club, and even Alien 3. While I like Seven and Fight Club (Alien 3 is, well, Alien 3), they do not hold up to me and I find myself bored watching them. Each time I watch his newer movies, I love them more each time.

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 12:26pm

"Se7en" and "Fight Club" are good, not great. Over time, they've come to bore me, too, with subsequent viewings, whereas "The Social Network" and "Zodiac" get more interesting with each watch.

I still haven't seen "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 12:37pm

Se7en is one of those movies that I'll drop everything to watch wen I see it's on TV, even though I have it on VHS, laserdisc, DVD & blu-ray.

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 12:59pm

Given where and how you and I diverge, that makes sense.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 1:02pm

I'm not ashamed to say that I don't understand what you just said.

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 1:05pm

Oh, me too.

Updated On: 1/6/14 at 01:05 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 1:07pm

Ok, good. I'm glad we're both in the same proverbial boat.

[Roscoe]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 1:28pm

ZODIAC and THE SOCIAL NETWORK are Fincher's best works, the ones where he really shows what he's capable of. Too bad he too often settles for so little. The rest of his output is eminently skippable.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 1:36pm

"In your opinion", you mean.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 1:39pm

I was thinking what you just typed Jordan...LOL

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 1:44pm

But I think we can all agree that "Panic Room" is his only masterpiece.

[Roscoe]

Posted: 1/6/14 at 1:51pm

Yes, PANIC ROOM is a work that will outlast Shakespeare and Welles.