Gone Baby Gone
 

Gone Baby Gone , 2007, Ben Affleck

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Fall of 2007 is turning out to have some incredible movies. Last week it was Michael Clayton, in a few weeks I have high hopes for No Country for Old Men, and this week brings us Ben Affleck's directorial debut, the riveting crime drama, Gone Baby Gone.

This is a powerhouse of a movie about a young couple {Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan) who are hired to augment a police investigation into a missing 4 yr. old girl in Boston. They get teamed up with two cops (Ed Harris and John Ashton) and find their investigation going in places no one expected.

First, let me say that Gone Baby Gone is an assured piece of film making, and probably one of the best debut films in recent years - Ben Affleck has hit a home run; his direction and screenplay (shared with Aaron Stockard) will most likely be remembered come awards season. But as good as the movie is, and it's one of the best of the year, I also have a hard time recommending it to the casual movie goer because it is unrelentingly depressing. We're thrown into the dark underbelly of Boston from the first moment on screen and we're never let up for a clean breath. I can't recall a sadder movie in recent memory...this is not mere entertainment - it punches you in the gut and leaves you pondering a horrible dilemma I hope no one ever has to deal with in real life.

Even so, it's close to perfect and I certainly recommend it to those of you here who take their film seriously.

Casey Affleck (Ben's younger brother) is outstanding in the lead. He carries that perfect Boston swagger and blank face so as not to reveal too much, yet behind his eyes we see what he's feeling. It's a tight, subdued performance, and one I hope gets some recognition. As I'd only seen him in supporting roles I had no clue he had the chops to pull this off, and he does. In fact, the whole film is pretty much a master class of acting, with Morgan Freeman, Harris, Ashton, (where the heck has he been?), and Amy Madigan all giving some of their best work in years. There's also an incredible performance by Amy Ryan as the mother of the missing girl that is just astonishing.

Director Affleck gets everything right - from the minor roles to the Boston feel of the film...this is an excellent companion piece to that other film adapted from a Dennis Lehan book, Mystic River. The only quibble I have is all the loose ends at the end are maybe tied up a bit tool cleanly and quickly...but it's a minor point.

What I'm most impressed with is not in the twists and turns of the plot (and there are plenty) but in the twists and turns in the characters we get to know. People we think of as good turn bad but then turn good again...sort of. This is a movie that does not shy away from admitting there are a million shades of gray to everyone's motivations in life, nor does it shy away from the Big Questions: the end of the film poses such a conundrum I'm not sure I could answer it myself with any faith.

The lead protagonist is faced with a perplexing moral question, yet he takes stand on one side - and risks losing everything he has - on that principle. I can't remember there being a film character so basically good in the face of life's evils.

Gone Baby Gone is a great film and makes me wonder what the hell took Affleck so long between Good Will Hunting and this. He obviously is more talented behind the camera than he is in front of it.

Four out of Five stars.

Mod Edit: Fixed your title.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

Good review, Dom. I'll have to put this one on my list.

I'm not surprised it takes people time to come out with stuff that's good. Good is hard! Many novelists only have one novel in them, or take 10 or 20 years to scrape out another.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

I can't wait to see this, and Michael Clayton. NR Dom

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

I wouldn't consider this movie depressing in the same way that movies like Mystic River or Requiem for a Dream are. The thrills and twists are enough to keep it from descending into complete darkness.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
I wouldn't consider this movie depressing in the same way that movies like Mystic River or Requiem for a Dream are. The thrills and twists are enough to keep it from descending into complete darkness.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not depressing but some of the most horrific crimes imaginable are depicted in this film - I certainly wasn't walking on clouds when I left the the theater.

Ben Affleck seems like such a likable guy so I'm always rooting for him to succeed but he somehow manages to disappoint most every time. It's nice to see him nail this one. If this is any indication of his talent we may see significantly less of him in front of the camera.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
Casey Affleck (Ben's younger brother)

[/ QUOTE ]

"Hey Mawgan! Stop jerkin' off in my muthuh's bed!"

I've never been so afraid of stumbling into a spoiler, as I am with this movie. I can't wait to go see it, just so I won't spend any more time living in fear of the spoiler.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

So who is this guy who plays Bubba? Slaine, wtf kind of a name is that, and no pic. Also this sounds awesome.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

I thought this was better than Mystic River. This film made me seriously angry at times and thinking to myself at others and when a movie can get the wheels turnin' as well as draw emotion from you (any emotion) then it is doing something right.

I thought Casey Affleck was really good in this film as well as Ed Harris but EH rocks so that was expected.

I am sort of getting tired of Morgan Freeman, he is getting in that Pacino mode for me where every time I see him on the screen he seems to be acting the same--different roles but same beat down, weathered, boring old man w/o any pop. Pacino plays the guy that has to yell every time he talks and over act every scene. Sucks b/c both guys are classic. I don't know if I explained that very well.

One thing that bothered me throughout this entire movie was that I could barely make out a lot of the dialogue the Boston accents were so thick. Now don't start w/ me on authenticity etc., b/c every other movie where the good 'ol Irish Catholic boys are rolling w/ the "ahhhhs" I had no problem understanding them--this was just really hard to understand.

Re: Gone Baby Gone
 

[ QUOTE ]



Director Affleck gets everything right - from the minor roles to the Boston feel of the film...this is an excellent companion piece to that other film adapted from a Dennis Lehan book, Mystic River. The only quibble I have is all the loose ends at the end are maybe tied up a bit tool cleanly and quickly...but it's a minor point.

What I'm most impressed with is not in the twists and turns of the plot (and there are plenty) but in the twists and turns in the characters we get to know. People we think of as good turn bad but then turn good again...sort of. This is a movie that does not shy away from admitting there are a million shades of gray to everyone's motivations in life, nor does it shy away from the Big Questions: the end of the film poses such a conundrum I'm not sure I could answer it myself with any faith.

The lead protagonist is faced with a perplexing moral question, yet he takes stand on one side - and risks losing everything he has - on that principle. I can't remember there being a film character so basically good in the face of life's evils.

Gone Baby Gone is a great film and makes me wonder what the hell took Affleck so long between Good Will Hunting and this. He obviously is more talented behind the camera than he is in front of it.

Four out of Five stars.

Mod Edit: Fixed your title.

[/ QUOTE ]

Really great review Dom. Based on your post I am now very excited about seeing this movie. Always liked Ben Affleck so it's nice to hear that he does something well. Especially like the way you phrased the part I bolded (above). I tend to agree with you that there are a million shades of gray to everyone's motivations. Sounds like a very cool story and can't wait to see it.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]


I am sort of getting tired of Morgan Freeman, he is getting in that Pacino mode for me where every time I see him on the screen he seems to be acting the same--different roles but same beat down, weathered, boring old man w/o any pop. Pacino plays the guy that has to yell every time he talks and over act every scene. Sucks b/c both guys are classic. I don't know if I explained that very well.



[/ QUOTE ]


Tdarko, you just put into words what I've felt about Morgan Freeman for awhile now. You explained it very well - "same boring old man w/o any pop."

Re: Gone Baby Gone
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]



Director Affleck gets everything right - from the minor roles to the Boston feel of the film...this is an excellent companion piece to that other film adapted from a Dennis Lehan book, Mystic River. The only quibble I have is all the loose ends at the end are maybe tied up a bit tool cleanly and quickly...but it's a minor point.

What I'm most impressed with is not in the twists and turns of the plot (and there are plenty) but in the twists and turns in the characters we get to know. People we think of as good turn bad but then turn good again...sort of. This is a movie that does not shy away from admitting there are a million shades of gray to everyone's motivations in life, nor does it shy away from the Big Questions: the end of the film poses such a conundrum I'm not sure I could answer it myself with any faith.

The lead protagonist is faced with a perplexing moral question, yet he takes stand on one side - and risks losing everything he has - on that principle. I can't remember there being a film character so basically good in the face of life's evils.

Gone Baby Gone is a great film and makes me wonder what the hell took Affleck so long between Good Will Hunting and this. He obviously is more talented behind the camera than he is in front of it.

Four out of Five stars.

Mod Edit: Fixed your title.

[/ QUOTE ]

Really great review Dom. Based on your post I am now very excited about seeing this movie. Always liked Ben Affleck so it's nice to hear that he does something well. Especially like the way you phrased the part I bolded (above). I tend to agree with you that there are a million shades of gray to everyone's motivations. Sounds like a very cool story and can't wait to see it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Glad you liked it, Katy...but just a warning - this movie is infinitely more disturbing than Twin Peaks...so don't blame me if you hate it! [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Gone Baby Gone
 

[ QUOTE ]
Always liked Ben Affleck

[/ QUOTE ]

I thought I was the only one.

I guess I'm the only GUY who likes Ben Affleck.

Or maybe the only hetero guy who likes him?

Re: Gone Baby Gone
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Always liked Ben Affleck

[/ QUOTE ]

I thought I was the only one.

I guess I'm the only GUY who likes Ben Affleck.

Or maybe the only hetero guy who likes him?

[/ QUOTE ]

I've always liked him, too...can't blame him for cashing in and making a few crappy movies...he also tries to stretch as an actor (Shakespeare in Love, Hollywoodland). He's got a likable, easy screen presence.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

The thing is, he used to have that pop. Now he seems like he's always waiting to unleash it in another scene that never comes. There's never a pay-off for watching him almost get there.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
The thing is, he used to have that pop. Now he seems like he's always waiting to unleash it in another scene that never comes. There's never a pay-off for watching him almost get there.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think that's more the film's failing than his...Hollywoodland was recent and he was excellent in that...in fact, I was surprised he wasn't nominated for an Oscar.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

WOWOWOWOW just got back from thisthe best movie I've seen in a long long time. Casey def deserves an oscar nom for this.

Dom I have a question for you *****SPOILER ALERT*****





















Why does the uncle want to hire Casey so bad? Is it because it's the only way they can find the money because he knows some people around the town? Or is because he wants to make
it seem like hes trying to help out, and thinks Casey would be way too dumb to ever figure something out? Only point of the movie that im very confused about.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
WOWOWOWOW just got back from thisthe best movie I've seen in a long long time. Casey def deserves an oscar nom for this.

Dom I have a question for you *****SPOILER ALERT*****





















Why does the uncle want to hire Casey so bad? Is it because it's the only way they can find the money because he knows some people around the town? Or is because he wants to make
it seem like hes trying to help out, and thinks Casey would be way too dumb to ever figure something out? Only point of the movie that im very confused about.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think the uncle is forced to hire them because his wife is insisting on doing something, so he has no choice. While the money is obviously interesting to those responsible, I do think they were doing what they did for the best interests of the child.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
WOWOWOWOW just got back from thisthe best movie I've seen in a long long time. Casey def deserves an oscar nom for this.

Dom I have a question for you *****SPOILER ALERT*****





















Why does the uncle want to hire Casey so bad? Is it because it's the only way they can find the money because he knows some people around the town? Or is because he wants to make
it seem like hes trying to help out, and thinks Casey would be way too dumb to ever figure something out? Only point of the movie that im very confused about.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think the uncle is forced to hire them because his wife is insisting on doing something, so he has no choice. While the money is obviously interesting to those responsible, I do think they were doing what they did for the best interests of the child.

[/ QUOTE ]

Shouldn't they know that Casey knows enough about the town that he will eventually talk to cheese, and get suspicious about the disappearance? Seems pretty dumb that the uncle wasn't smart enough to think about this before hiring Casey.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
WOWOWOWOW just got back from thisthe best movie I've seen in a long long time. Casey def deserves an oscar nom for this.

Dom I have a question for you *****SPOILER ALERT*****





















Why does the uncle want to hire Casey so bad? Is it because it's the only way they can find the money because he knows some people around the town? Or is because he wants to make
it seem like hes trying to help out, and thinks Casey would be way too dumb to ever figure something out? Only point of the movie that im very confused about.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think the uncle is forced to hire them because his wife is insisting on doing something, so he has no choice. While the money is obviously interesting to those responsible, I do think they were doing what they did for the best interests of the child.

[/ QUOTE ]

Shouldn't they know that Casey knows enough about the town that he will eventually talk to cheese, and get suspicious about the disappearance? Seems pretty dumb that the uncle wasn't smart enough to think about this before hiring Casey.

[/ QUOTE ]

the uncle had no choice...he had to do what his wife wanted or look suspicious.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

*******SPOILERS********






















When Affleck is in police custody after the cop dies, the first thing we hear him say is "why would I blow the whistle on a conspiracy that I'm a part of?" Then we find out that the recorded phone call does not exist and that the transcript was fake. At this point were you supposed to think that Affleck was being set up all along and that he was going to take the fall?

They had him read the transcript aloud and record it so that it would seem like he himself was asking for ransom money, they sent the girl's blanket to his address, etc. I didn't quite follow this...Affleck says that he "must have remembered wrong" and they let him go on his way. If he had pressed the issue would he have been in danger of being arrested for the crime?

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
*******SPOILERS********






















When Affleck is in police custody after the cop dies, the first thing we hear him say is "why would I blow the whistle on a conspiracy that I'm a part of?" Then we find out that the recorded phone call does not exist and that the transcript was fake. At this point were you supposed to think that Affleck was being set up all along and that he was going to take the fall?

They had him read the transcript aloud and record it so that it would seem like he himself was asking for ransom money, they sent the girl's blanket to his address, etc. I didn't quite follow this...Affleck says that he "must have remembered wrong" and they let him go on his way. If he had pressed the issue would he have been in danger of being arrested for the crime?

[/ QUOTE ]

I think he let it go because he realized that Doyle (Morgan Freeman) had set him up...not to take the fall, but to believe the police record incoming phone calls so that he'd be an unwitting accomplice to Cheese's murder, as well as the final abduction and fake death of Amanda.

I did have a problem with him putting those pieces together so quickly - I woulda been like, "The goddamned Chief of this Division told me the phone call was recorded and he had me read it aloud...oh, wait."

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
*******SPOILERS********






















When Affleck is in police custody after the cop dies, the first thing we hear him say is "why would I blow the whistle on a conspiracy that I'm a part of?" Then we find out that the recorded phone call does not exist and that the transcript was fake. At this point were you supposed to think that Affleck was being set up all along and that he was going to take the fall?

They had him read the transcript aloud and record it so that it would seem like he himself was asking for ransom money, they sent the girl's blanket to his address, etc. I didn't quite follow this...Affleck says that he "must have remembered wrong" and they let him go on his way. If he had pressed the issue would he have been in danger of being arrested for the crime?

[/ QUOTE ]

I think he let it go because he realized that Doyle (Morgan Freeman) had set him up...not to take the fall, but to believe the police record incoming phone calls so that he'd be an unwitting accomplice to Cheese's murder, as well as the final abduction and fake death of Amanda.

I did have a problem with him putting those pieces together so quickly - I woulda been like, "The goddamned Chief of this Division told me the phone call was recorded and he had me read it aloud...oh, wait."

[/ QUOTE ]

true true, and i agree with most of what dom said in his review. both bar scenes were awesome. that said,

the music sucked [censored] rat dick

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
*******SPOILERS********






















When Affleck is in police custody after the cop dies, the first thing we hear him say is "why would I blow the whistle on a conspiracy that I'm a part of?" Then we find out that the recorded phone call does not exist and that the transcript was fake. At this point were you supposed to think that Affleck was being set up all along and that he was going to take the fall?

They had him read the transcript aloud and record it so that it would seem like he himself was asking for ransom money, they sent the girl's blanket to his address, etc. I didn't quite follow this...Affleck says that he "must have remembered wrong" and they let him go on his way. If he had pressed the issue would he have been in danger of being arrested for the crime?

[/ QUOTE ]

No they were simply covering up so the police department didnt take any heat, no one was setting up Casey.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

Was I the only one disapointed by this film?

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

SPOKERler the girl charcater was stupid. the fact that she left casey in the end wasn't entirely belieavble to me, that she'd leave him over an ethically tough decision made for work. other than that, contrary to most opinions i've read on IMDB i liekd the 2nd half more than the first, the 2nd part had stuffs to think about. the ending = good, interesting

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
SPOKERler the girl charcater was stupid. the fact that she left casey in the end wasn't entirely belieavble to me, that she'd leave him over an ethically tough decision made for work. other than that, contrary to most opinions i've read on IMDB i liekd the 2nd half more than the first, the 2nd part had stuffs to think about. the ending = good, interesting

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

I was so mad at the girlfriend when she told Patrick she'd hate him for making the decision she didn't agree with.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
SPOKERler the girl charcater was stupid. the fact that she left casey in the end wasn't entirely belieavble to me, that she'd leave him over an ethically tough decision made for work. other than that, contrary to most opinions i've read on IMDB i liekd the 2nd half more than the first, the 2nd part had stuffs to think about. the ending = good, interesting

[/ QUOTE ]


awesome.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
Was I the only one disapointed by this film?

[/ QUOTE ]

Probably. Due to Affleck's recent history with film selection I think most of us went into the film with moderate expectations and were pleasantly surprised with the results.

Nice post though. Well worded.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
SPOKERler the girl charcater was stupid. the fact that she left casey in the end wasn't entirely belieavble to me, that she'd leave him over an ethically tough decision made for work. other than that, contrary to most opinions i've read on IMDB i liekd the 2nd half more than the first, the 2nd part had stuffs to think about. the ending = good, interesting

[/ QUOTE ]

SPOILER!!
















I don't know...given her reaction in regards to Casey executing the child molester i thought her reaction to what he did later made perfect sense. And in part his actions prior may have led him to choose to turn in Freeman

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Was I the only one disapointed by this film?

[/ QUOTE ]

Probably. Due to Affleck's recent history with film selection I think most of us went into the film with moderate expectations and were pleasantly surprised with the results.

Nice post though. Well worded.

[/ QUOTE ]

I wasn't making a point, I was asking a question. I hadn't seen any negative comments and I was wondering whether anyone else here felt disapointed as I did.

Nice attitude, though. Well executed.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

***SPOILERS***







This movie ranks up there as the best movie of 2007 thus far for me

I've been WAY less active at the theater this year, which has been frustrating, but after watching almost every Oscar movie last year, I need to catch up on this season as I've missed many (like Micheal Clayton, In the Valley of Elah, The Assassination of Jesse James, etc)

But this may be my favorite movie of 2007, ranking up there with Waitress and The Bourne Ultimatum.

I'd like to reiterate what Dominic said about the emotion in this movie... it is so subtle and yet SOOOO strong. Something I was very enthralled by was the relationship between Affleck and Monoghan's characters

It just added to the whole question about life and the decisions that we make in it... even if we do the 'right' thing is it really right? He lost his girlfriend and gave the child back to a mother that didn't (or did she) really care about the child....

Man, as I write it I just analyze the movie more and love it for it's subtle power to incite raw emotion in me

Ben could NOT have shot this movie any better, the direction he gives every shot just feels right

Anyway, was really really impressed. Great reviews by y'all, would recommend everyone go catch this movie

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
I am sort of getting tired of Morgan Freeman, he is getting in that Pacino mode for me where every time I see him on the screen he seems to be acting the same--different roles but same beat down, weathered, boring old man w/o any pop. Pacino plays the guy that has to yell every time he talks and over act every scene. Sucks b/c both guys are classic. I don't know if I explained that very well.

[/ QUOTE ]

Saw it tonight. Morgan Freeman's character was the one role I thought was completely miscast. Otherwise it was great for all the reasons Dom and the others in the thread have mentioned.

~ Rick

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

[ QUOTE ]
Morgan Freeman's character was the one role I thought was completely miscast. Otherwise it was great for all the reasons Dom and the others in the thread have mentioned. - Rick

[/ QUOTE ]

Ty Burr of the The Boston Globe represented my thoughts regarding the casting of Morgan Freeman in this review excerpted below:

"Affleck's not certain what to do about race, though - he is from these parts, isn't he? - and white characters in the book have been cast with black actors (Gathegi, Morgan Freeman as a police captain) in ways that don't feel entirely organic to the tale. Yes, we're a more modern, cosmopolitan city than Lehane and "The Departed" indicate; no, Southie is not now nor ever has been all mook. And, yes, we're still chained to our ghosts. When the great Boston movie is finally made, it will deal with class and race and the past, and no one here will want to see it.

That said, "Gone Baby Gone" gets tantalizingly close.

Re: [b]Gone Baby Gone[/b]
 

I missed the first 30 minutes or so, but still enjoyed the movie thoroughly. The ending was pretty hard for me to process with it waffling back and forth so hard. I'm gonna DL it and watch the beginning tonight.


[ QUOTE ]
So who is this guy who plays Bubba? Slaine, wtf kind of a name is that, and no pic. Also this sounds awesome.

[/ QUOTE ]

He's an underground rapper. When him and Patrick roll up to the house in his SUV or whatever, the rap song being played is by Slaine.