Affleck, who adapted the screenplay with Aaron Stockard (based on the novel by Dennis Lahane) took a gamble by casting his younger brother Casey in the remarkably challenging leading role. Set in their hometown of Boston, the brother’s had the daunting task of capturing the underbelly of Beantown as Casey plays a private detective who is hired to search for a missing a child. The dialogue of GONE is bluntly graphic, yet, for the mood, feel, and setting of the film, the hair-raising content is a necessity. Whereas many modern flicks will toss around four-letter bombs for little or no reason, here, it would seem out of place if the characters didn’t speak in this manner. Within the seedy atmosphere of backroom bars and drug dens, these vile characters need to be acting and speaking in various vile ways.
A Different Kind of Horror
GONE, which touches on kidnapping, pedophilia, child abuse, and murder, is more frightening than the bland content seen in SAW IV. The intensity is palpable as Patrick (Affleck) along with Police Captain Jack Doyle (Morgan Freeman) and Detective Remy Bressant (Ed Harris) hunt for the missing Amanda. The screenplay is sharp and well-paced, and Affleck’s impeccable and moody direction should secure his place on the Academy’s radar.
Ed Harris is electric as the loose-cannon Detective Bressant, exuding such passion and calculated fury that he practically ignites the screen as he tosses conventional policing to the curb as he attempts to discover the whereabouts of the young Amanda. Equally impressive, is relatively unknown Amy Ryan who plays Amanda’s beer-guzzling, coke-snorting mother. At the start of the film, it’s difficult to decide which fate is worse for the child; meeting a violent end at an early age, or spending the rest of her formidable years with the monster she calls “mom”. As the movie progresses, however, the vulnerable Ryan evolves into a sympathetic character who vows to change her ways if she can hold her baby once again. In this breakout performance, she does something that is seemingly impossible; she takes a loathsome, disgusting creature, and molds her into a sympathetic leading-lady.
Casey's Formidable Turn
Despite these superb supporting performances, it is Casey Affleck who steals the show. His character is not physically superior, yet he exudes such confidence and determination that he comes across as wholly intimidating. He, above all others, strives to do the right thing, and is committed to following all leads, no matter how dangerous the perilous situations may appear to be. The actor, who is best known for smaller roles (200 CIGARETTES, OCEAN’S 11), and quite frankly, for being Ben’s younger brother, commands the screen with such natural ability and ease, that it is a crime that his moment hasn’t come sooner.
With GONE BABY GONE, the Affleck brothers have done something remarkable; they have turned a family affair into the must-see DVD of the year.
A+
