The Game [Special Edition] [1997] [DVD]

It goes without saying that David Fincher has unique visions when it comes to filmmaking, steering clear of any traditional styles. We saw this in "Se7en", "Fight Club", "Alien³", and even "Panic Room". Here, we have another interesting work from his cliché-free point of view.The movie is organized and shot impeccably; the plot is imaginative and complicated as well as entertaining, pulling you immediately in. Sometimes the story drags on and next move seems visible, but this is not a big deal. The acting of Douglas, Penn, Unger and and even minor roles is satisfying.Nicholas Van Orton, a workaholic investment banker, is such a hotshot that Michael Douglas was born to play: powerful, wealthy & brainy as well as cocky, mighty & haughty. Initially cool and reserved, then gradually less and less sure of himself, more and more perplexed when the things go awry. What a perfect character for Douglas as an actor...Overwhelmed by his father's suicide and his divorce, he built a psychological & emotional cocoon around himself. But his life began changing entirely when he became enmeshed in an outstandingly elaborate real-life game, given as a birthday present by his brother Conrad. The game, arranged by a sinister outfit called CRS, is a bizzare one: no defined rules & no specified beginning or end. The aim of the game is to give Van Orton what he's lacking in real life. Actually, he starts out DEAD but the game brings something in him to life. After multitudes of twists, turns and near-death experiences arranged by CRS agents and allies, the cocoon is shattered and he turns into what he was made to be: a human being.This is a film that will make you wish that you could play such a game in real life...

i can believe the super rich would play such a game

Absolutely nonsense plot that does not bare too much scrutiny but it's played so straight and well by everyone involved it still grips you.

Although a slightly old film, it’s got a great atmosphere throughout. Definitely worth a watch, nothing else quite like it!

Michael Douglas is absolutely brilliant in this great film. Very intense, scary at times but a brilliant story

I must have watched this a dozen times in the late 90s early 00s. There was something so attractive and gravitational about it. So i just watched it again for the first time in 20 years and I must be more analytical now, allowing me to report my quantitative thoughts. It boils down to everything from a great original story, to the acting, the atmosphere, and often overlooked, the photography. I noticed so many great scenes and pictures in this - pictures, stills, you could hang from your wall. So pleased I bought i this.

The Game of Life and How to Play it! This 'Game', 'The Game' is obviously a rich man's sport, but it's a great way to ensure we keep in touch with the people we love and care about.It is said that we live our lives 'inside out' according to our fears.If we fear being poor we will endeavour to be rich - at the top level of the spectrum - or have a career plan, in order to ensure the continuity of work and employment - at the other end of the spectrum.This film does make you think about what 'game/games' would be selected for us to play.My only criticism is that Van Orton shows absolutely no emotion of his recent experiences at the birthday party.He was glad to see his brother, but he was always glad to see his bother.At least when he threw himself off the building after he thought he'd killed his brother - that was an emotional response, but to find out that your life threatening recent experiences were not real you'd behave like Scrooge did on Christmas Day when he woke up out of his dream.Thank You!

Good plot- remember watching it at the cinema when it came out. Really good!