David Fincher’s 1997 thriller The Game, starring Michael Douglas, remains a notable film despite the director’s later expressed regrets. In a 2014 Playboy interview, Fincher reflected on the film, which arrived shortly after his breakthrough with Se7en and before his cult hit Fight Club. Although Fincher questioned some aspects of the movie, The Game still delivers a gripping and intense experience worth watching.
In The Game, Michael Douglas portrays Nicholas Van Orton, a wealthy but isolated businessman. On his 48th birthday—a date shadowed by his father’s suicide—Nicholas receives an unusual gift from his brother, played by Sean Penn: participation in a mysterious game that progressively blurs the boundaries between reality and deception. As Nicholas struggles to discern truth from manipulation, his only potential ally is a cryptic woman, portrayed by Deborah Kara Unger, whose true motives remain unclear. The film immerses viewers in Nicholas’ unraveling world where suspense builds as trust diminishes.
How the Movie Builds Tension Through Its Characters and Storyline
The screenplay by John Brancato and Michael Ferris crafts a twisting psychological thriller that initially seemed like a conventional success following the dark tone of Se7en. However, Fincher later brought in Andrew Kevin Walker to deepen the cynicism of Douglas’ character, Nicholas. Played with a slick, ruthless edge, Nicholas exemplifies a man whose achievements have alienated him from those around him. The film layers emotional tension by connecting Nicholas’ birthday to a painful family history, exploring themes of isolation and despair.
The Game also introduces dark humor that would become a signature element in Fincher’s later works, including Fight Club, Gone Girl, and The Killer. Nicholas continuously faces upheavals, with the film repeatedly pulling the rug out from under him through shocking twists. This blend of sleek direction and haunting imagery is amplified by unsettling flashbacks of Nicholas’ father’s suicide, presented like twisted home videos, underscoring the psychological depth of Nicholas’ turmoil. The film stands as both a visceral thriller and a smart psychological study, hallmarks that would define Fincher’s style moving forward.
The Final Act‘s Controversial Impact on the Film‘s Legacy
In the Playboy interview, Fincher admitted frustration with how The Game concluded, revealing his wife discouraged the project due to the unresolved third act. He stated,
“And in hindsight, my wife was right. We didn’t figure out the third act, and it was my fault, because I thought if you could just keep your foot on the throttle it would be liberating and funny.”
—David Fincher
Indeed, the movie’s ending is both over-the-top and unpredictable. Nicholas faces a cascade of reversals that challenge his grasp on reality, culminating in a moment of apparent finality that twists once more into a darkly comedic and cathartic resolution. This barrage of twists may stretch credibility, but it fits the film’s relentless momentum, inviting audiences to embrace the chaotic ride rather than overanalyze it.
While the themes of trauma and recovery are less firmly developed than in Fincher’s later films, The Game stands as an entertaining thriller. Despite not reaching the artistic heights of some of his other projects, it offers an exciting experience fueled by suspense and psychological complexity.
Why ‘The Game‘ Remains a Valuable Film in Fincher’s Career
The Game feels like an early sketch of ideas that Fincher refined with later works such as Fight Club and Panic Room. Its shifting realities, suspenseful pacing, and darkly humorous undercurrents hint at the director’s evolving style and recurring themes, including the intertwining of trauma and control. The film’s willingness to explore these concepts marks it as a significant, if imperfect, entry in Fincher’s body of work.
Though the director expressed disappointment, The Game offers a compelling and thrilling narrative for viewers interested in Fincher’s evolution as a filmmaker. Its blend of psychological tension, unsettling atmospheres, and complex characters ensures it remains worth watching. The movie is available for rental or purchase on various VOD platforms across the U.S., inviting new audiences to experience its intense, mind-bending twists firsthand.
