An inspired idea for a film which, through slow pacing at the beginning and a deliberately ambiguous plot, allows director David Fincher (Fight Club) to pull out all the stops in creating immense tension and confusion in his audience. Michael Douglas, who must have killed to get the role, is superb as the in-control, emotionless businessman Nicholas Van Orten whose life is turned upside down when he accepts an unusual birthday present from his brother (Penn). He signs up for what he believes is merely a game but which soon turns deadly.
From here on in black becomes white, up is down etc. and Douglas has to fight for his very life. The motivation behind the shadowy Game henchmen is deliberately confused throughout the film and every time you think you've got a lid on what's going on another surprise or slip of information blows it wide open again. The pacing is superb and builds up fantastically to the films astonishing climax. Even then though, nothing is quite what it seems and you still expect the film to deliver one last surprise. It doesn't disappoint. |
