Gone Baby Gone, Ben Affleck directorial debut, starring his brother Casey, Michelle Monaghan, Ed Harris, and John Ashton is his best work so far. A film that takes its style from noir films and really works its way into your mind and heart. The acting that delivers this twisting story only makes the experience all the more enjoyable.
Gone Baby Gone is Ben Affleck’s best film
There is a scene late in the film where a character simply has to make a decision that will impact all the parties that have been introduced in the film. In that moment, there is no threat of violence or danger, but the decision the character makes will have such repercussions that it brings you to the edge of your seat. You’re forced into the characters shoes as you ponder what you would do in that situation. It’s likely that you’ll have two responses: the logical choice or the emotionally, probably correct, choice.
Though, at the same time, that moment only works because of the narrative that has been crafted by Ben Affleck and Aaron Stockard’s adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s novel by the same name. The characters in the film are developed so well that when this decision comes it is easy to see why each party feels the way they feel. That doesn’t make the choice any easier because, while they know why they feel their specific way, they see the potential outcomes and many are not favorable.
Gone Baby Gone opens with news coverage of the abduction of Amanda McCready and voice over by Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck). Patrick and his girlfriend, Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) are hired by Amanda’s aunt Bea (Amy Madigan) to supplement the police investigation. The police aren’t happy, but essentially end up working with them to find the little girl. Patrick has contacts that would likely never talk to cops having grown up in the area, which makes for some tense sequences. Patrick’s sense of right and wrong is established throughout the film and he is clearly driven by a sense of justice.
Final Thoughts
Gone Baby Gone is a film that hooks you in early and only gets better as the story unfolds. It demonstrates the talent both the Affleck boys have that will be seen in subsequent films to follow. However, it also seems to hint that Ben shouldn’t star in the films he directs as they aren’t as good as his first outing. Not that they’re bad either, but this one definitely shines. Gone Baby Gone gets the Must See rating and is currently available to watch for free on Stars.
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