Review of Gone Baby Gone (2007) by Julia L — 25 Jul 2012
A mature, considered and highly effective directorial debut from writer-director-actor Ben Affleck. Coming out of the years of 'Bennifer' darkness and creative doldrums (Gigli... oh the horror of Gigli!), Affleck and his younger brother both coming out shining with this excellent thriller-drama. Following on from his strong return-to-form last year in Hollywoodland, big brother Ben steps behind the camera to allow younger Casey to once again show he is a thespian to be reckoned with following on from his amazing turn in 'the assassination of jesse james' last year. A not-so-typical leading man, baby-faced Casey nonetheless carries the movie with aplomb, both subtle and sincere, and with an able supporting cast behind him. Ed Harris is brilliantly intense, Morgan Freeman his usual excellent self, but it is Amy Ryan as the insipid Helene, trailer-trash mother of the titular abductee, who truly standards out with a deservedly oscar-nominated performance.
The film moves along at a comfortable pace, with plenty of twists, turns (both shocking and moving), right through to its slightly over-neat ending. The journey there, though, is rife with mistrust, deception, unravelled secrets, and when all is said in done, it's final moments provide a remarkably thought-provoking conundrum just as much for the audience as its characters, which prompts and deserves plenty of thought and discussion.
Highly recommended.
This review of Gone Baby Gone (2007) was written by Julia L on 25 Jul 2012.
Gone Baby Gone has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
