Gone Baby Gone DVD
Gone Baby Gone first came to the public as a novel by best selling author Dennis Lehane who’s written many books set in the Boston area including Mystic River. Now thanks to Ben Affleck and Aaron Stockard (screenplay) we get to see this masterpiece of literature on film. I’m sure after the mention of Ben Affleck’s name some of you are sighing and saying “oh no,” but let me remind you of something, the last time Affleck co-wrote a screenplay he won an Academy Award for it (Good Will Hunting ’97). I admit he’s done some skeptical acting jobs since then, but Good Will Hunting might be my favorite movie so he’ll always get a second chance from me. Not only did Affleck co-write the screenplay, he also makes his debut as a director in this film.
After a small child goes missing in a suburb of Boston the McCready family starts to panic when the police seem to have no answers. Gone Baby Gone follows private investigator Patrick Kenzie after he’s hired by the McCready’s to find their baby, Amanda. When Patrick digs further into the case what he finds may not be something he wants or can handle. “Everyone wants the truth… until they find it.”
This movie has been highly acclaimed and has already won many awards and for good reason. This is an overwhelmingly powerful film that holds nothing back and will punch you in the face with emotion and moral conflict. Another thing that sets this film apart is its incredible cast. One of the main goals of a director is to get the best out of his actors and Ben Affleck does that like a veteran. He took a chance by casting his younger brother Casey Affleck (Chasing Amy, Good Will Hunting, Oceans Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen) in a leading role for the first time in his career. Casey does his brother proud by giving an outstanding, gripping performance. But even with Casey’s breakout role, he’s still overshadowed by Amy Ryan as Helene McCready whose portrayal earned her an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress. Other notable performances are Ed Harris as Det. Remy Bressant and Morgan Freeman as Capt. Jack Doyle.
Gone Baby Gone truly is one of the best films of ’07. It’ll grab you from the beginning and question your beliefs and morals without relent. Ben Affleck does a fantastic job at capturing his actors’ grief, frustrations and rage. He sets the tone perfectly in tragic situations and uses many camera methods that show exactly what the audience needs to or should see. He handles his debut better than anyone expected as he made a movie that is a must see. This film will leave you in awe. Kudos Ben and welcome back. Rent this movie!
WARNING: This movie is not for children under the age of 14 and I think even 14 is pushing it. It has a very strong R rating for language, very graphic violence (including on children) and graphic, detailed drug use.
–Andy Gates
