Review of Gone Baby Gone (2007) by Andrew L — 06 May 2012

The return of Ben Affleck has come, hard. Never acknowledged as a great actor, Ben Affleck did, once, contribute something of quality to the world of Hollywood cinema: he co-wrote 'Good Will Hunting's Academy Award-winning screenplay with long-time friend--and much better actor--Matt Damon. However, despite the triumphant acting ability of Damon, one would have an impossible time convincing me that he could provide a film of equal or better caliber than Affleck's 'Gone Baby Gone,' ever.

The film, based on the fictional novel by Dennis Lehane (also called 'Gone Baby Gone'), depicts the difficult times following the abduction of a 4-year-old girl in the city of Boston. Private Investigator Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and his girlfriend and investigative associate, Angie Gennaro (Monaghan), are convinced by the missing girl's aunt to pursue their own investigation--one supported by local Police Chief Jack Doyle (Freeman)--in the case. Assigned to the aid of Patrick and Angie are detectives Nick Poole and Remy Bressant (played by John Aston and Ed Harris, in respective order). Yet, by the time the investigation is launched, the child has been missing for more than 72 hours, and Patrick and his company are without any leads and begin their questioning to the dislike of tough, hardy, dangerous locals.

'Gone Baby Gone' is stealthy and moody and lingers with its disturbing premise and unforgettable realism. Its careful telling of the story is methodical and efficient and never once looses its accumulative tension, which explodes into a powerful and provocative conclusion that is one to remember for decades. Affleck's direction implies years, tens, of experience and familiarity that could only come from a veteran of the chair; though, in his directorial debut, it is proven to be nothing short of born-to-do talent.

Casey Affleck, younger brother to Ben (for those who've yet to catch it), is intoxicating as the young, proficient Boston native, torn between what is morally right and what is humane. He and his partner, Angie, are faced with an insurmountable discord; and Affleck and Monaghan show it through their tired faces and sunken, grief-stricken eyes. They are remarkable, especially Affleck, whose talent as an actor far surpasses that of his brother and may one day win him an Oscar. Also phenomenal are Ed Harris, whose on-screen prowess is dominating, Amy Ryan (who plays Helene McCready, mother of the missing girl), and 'Deadwood''s Titus Welliver (as Lionel McCready, brother of Helene).

Affleck's turn to director is the best career choice he's made since co-writing with buddy Damon. His first film behind the lens is everything a success could be, thematically, and proves to all his scrutinizers that he does indeed belong in Hollywood. 'Gone' is so good that all of Affleck's past attempts at rekindling stardom are forgiven, and he's permitted future pardons as well. It is easily one of the best films of the year; it's one of the best films in years. Regarding crime-thrillers, it may be one of the best of the past ten or twenty. This film is incontestably essential. Upon leaving the theater, you'll want to go right back to the ticket booth; and once you've appeased your certain appetite for more, you'll feed off of your recollections of it for weeks to come.