Review of The Game (1997) by Stuart B — 03 Sep 2011

I think I last watched this 15 years or so ago, and for the most part was left confused, disorientated and underwhelmed. However, back then I didn't know the name David Fincher particularly well, not to mention being largely ignorant to the media of film as more than just a form of pure entertainment.

So going in with a fresh perspective, I was completely blown away. It's a stunning tour de force from Fincher, with a complex and manipulative plot which has you questioning every aspect of the narrative, with you just never quite knowing what is real.

In fact, it became fairly evident that the movie has been a great influence on Chris Nolan's equally labyrinthian Inception, with you never quite sure if you are still living in reality. As the beats of Jefferson Airplane's White Rabbit swirl overhead, you find yourself, along with Michael Douglas, swallowed up by a modern day Underland, fighting for air, and amid all the chaos and deceit, attempt to uncover the truth of this brilliantly atmospheric mystery.

Entertaining and challenging, with an ambiguous ending destined to provoke discussion, Fincher crafted a superbly dark thriller which, despite a few gaping plot holes (which with such a complex narrative were almost impossible to avoid), has ensured I will try never to dismiss a movie first hand again.