The Game (1997) Reaction & Review! FIRST TIME WATCHING!! 

A brilliant psychological thriller film from director David Fincher. Has a twist ending that no one saw coming!

it's so weird that Michael Douglas used to be a Superstar between 85-95 cranking out Hit after Hit, very often in highly Controversial Films (Fatal Attraction, War of the Roses, Basic Instinct, Falling Down, Disclosure) seems almost forgotten nowadays and is almost never talked about. Michael Douglas is awesome and this movie is just another testament to that!!!

This is one of my favorite movies. Fincher really keeps you guessing all the way until the end. It's a modern masterpiece of writing and directing.

Amazing rewatchability, not just because of clues etc. but because of the anticipation of certain moments given the amazing performance from Michael Douglas :)

CRS had backups for their backups. When they drove him into the water there were divers there for an abort in case he didn't use the handle he was given. And they would have worked it into the "Game". squibs and prop guns and prop ammo were used exclusively. This film has awesome rewatchability.

I saw this movie with zero introduction, because my brother dragged me in to see it. I've loved it ever since.

This is such an underrated film.

One of my all time favorite movies. The teaser trailer for it is also one of the best teaser trailers ever. A CG puppet on strings writhing and struggling while audio clips from the film play. So good.

One big, elaborate, extremely expensive intervention. Nicholas was heading down the same road as his father, and CRS allowed him to exorcise this death wish he had. Now that he's "died," he can leave his father's death behind and start living his own life.

Been waiting for someone to react to this movie! I think this is an awesome thriller. Thanks for reacting to this one!

Deborah Kara Unger is such a wonderful actress

I saw this in the theater in 1997 and have seen it many times since then including just a week ago. This is one of my favorite films. It seems each persons game turned into a life changing adventure.

One of Michael Douglas' best roles by far. Underrated indeed, great review Shan

In my book THIS is the best David Fincher movie. Yes, it's better than Seven, Zodiak and even The Social Network. And I'm not gonna change my mind. If you looking something in this mood I highly recommended 1985 After Hours directed by Martin Scorsese.

"Discovering the object of the game IS the object of the game." Fun Fact: The scene in which Nicholas wakes up in a crypt in Mexico is an homage to the film Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia (1974), in which protagonist Bennie (Warren Oates) is buried alive in a Mexican cemetery and must claw his way out of a shallow grave. Nicholas's (Michael Douglas) kidnappers even re-dress him in the same suit that Bennie wears through the duration of that film. Lawsuit Details Fact: Jodie Foster was originally signed to play Michael Douglas's sibling in the film. However, Foster changed her mind and wanted to appear as Douglas's daughter instead. Douglas and director David Fincher were very opposed to this change so the part went to Sean Penn instead. Foster promptly sued PolyGram to the tune of $54.5 million, even though her Egg Pictures was one of the film's production companies. The matter was fortunately settled out of court. On a personal note, I'm NOT on Jodie Foster side here. Foster signed a contract to play a specific role and then refused to do her part. I wouldn't have given her a dime. Location Location Fact: Nicholas's (Michael Douglas) home was actually the historic Filoli Mansion, 25 miles south of San Francisco in Woodside, California. The plain gravel forecourt of the mansion was made to look more like a wrap-around driveway by the addition of the fountain, which was constructed of lightweight foam. The interior shots of the kitchen were made in the original time-worn kitchen, which is displayed on tours but no longer used. The kitchen's state of repair is not good, which partially accounts for the very dim lighting used in the kitchen scenes. The scenes in which the walls were defaced with graffiti were done by tacking up lightweight graffiti-painted foamcore boards over the wood paneling. All of the scenes at the mansion were completed in one day.

Now he understands how a person could get to a point where they would do what his father did. Great movie. Anyone who has been a game master in a roleplaying game understands how they would have many options and what if's set up in case he did this or that, and adapt with it.

This movie was executive produced by Johnathan Mostow. You should check out his film called Breakdown. Stars Kurt Russell and also flew under the radar like this film.

I recommended this in the comments a gazillion times. Glad you finally watching it.

I just love this movie. The first time I saw it, I couldn't look away. An underrated almost-masterpiece.

Thank you so much for reviewing this film. It has been one of my favorites for a quarter of a century now. If you'd like another amazingly acted film with mystery qualities, for your personal viewing if not for the channel, check out Sleuth from 1972 starring Lawrence Olivier and Michael Caine.

What I love about this is that Fincher pulls the rug out from under the viewers more than once! And also, when you think about it, Fincher is an amazing director, but usually very dark. Seven, Gone Girl, especially. This may be, once you get to the end, his most uplifting film, almost a modern day Scrooge-like story with an actual happy ending.

One of the most absurd movies I've ever seen. And I loved every minute of it.

This movie does have great re-watch value. That is not just for the ability to catch things you did not miss, but simply because it is very atmospheric, so it sucks you in and you can get lost in it over and over, akin to Shawshank Redemption or Moulin Rouge or, well, other great atmospheric movies. Another great Michael Douglas suspense movie that does not get enough attention, and has no movie reactions, is Disclosure, also starring Demi Moore.

If you enjoyed this, you might also like the films The Spanish Prisoner, or House of Games, both written and directed by David Mamet. They are both similar mind F's, but not executed as well as this film

To the criticism of "too many things had to go right for the movie to happen" is really solved by the line at the end where the actor said that if Douglas hadn't jumped, he would have had to push him. The answer is that there were multiple ways to go at every turn. Someone was running the game as it was going and making adjustments as it went along.

Top Trivia: Director Spike Jonze has a cameo as the airbag check guy. Fincher then had a cameo in Jonze's 'Being John Malkovich' a couple of years later.

Great movie. You kind of have to suspend belief at points, pulling this off would have been extremely difficult. I strongly recommend The Edge from 1997, great year for movies.

The simple scene when they are in the bar and Douglas’ character is trying to learn more about CRS and the man says, ‘For once I was blind and now I can see’ ohhh so perfect to build the intrigue from the audience point of view. The quote didn’t make your edit but you had part of the scene. So great. One of my favorite movies for sure. Absolutely original and unique

This is of my favorites to rewatch again and again x

One of my favorite David Fincher AND Michael Douglas movies. Back in the 80s/90s, Michael Douglas was a much bigger star than he seems today -- Fatal Attractions, Basic Instinct, Wall St, so many great movies. This movie plays on his Wall St businessman persona.

Given your fondness for Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit," you may be inclined to watch Terry Gilliam's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" with Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro, if you haven't already. "Throw the radio in the tub when the song peaks!" I think this is Fincher's first big feature, no? I remember seeing it back in the 90s and being blown away by how effective it was, and have been a fan since. He's in my top five of living directors (Fincher, Wes Anderson, PT Anderson, Nolan, Villeneuve). You probably heard that "Mindhunter" is officially done at Netflix, which is a bummer, but at least we have Nolan's "Oppenheimer" to look forward to this summer, and Dune Pt. 2 in Nov. While we're relating to movies starring Michael Douglas, you should consider watching "Wall Street" and/or "The China Syndrome" if you haven't already--the first is an 80s greed parable and the latter a Cassandra's prediction that predated the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster by a couple of months (and Chernobyl by only a few years).

I love this. No one plays privilege like Michael Douglas. Unger is fantastic as well

The argument that the film is too elaborate and things had to go perfectly I think is supposed to be answered by all the psychological tests Nick did and how they’d know how he’d respond to every little thing

When I was in the Navy we were in some barracks for about 6 months while our ship was in dry dock. One of my friends had a room that wasn't inspected so we painted it all black and then wrote the words to white rabbit in small letters all the way around the top of the room and planet fragments floating in the void amidst a field of stars in glow in the dark and black light paints...you can guess why. It was fun while it lasted.

He lives at the Filoli mansion, aka the Dynasty mansion.

Very underrated indeed. Seen it countless times, absolutely love it.

Somehow you've made me enjoy that movie so much more than I did already. Thanks Shan!

This is one of my favorite movies. I love recommending it to people.

I knew when I saw this in theaters in 1997 that it was a new modern classic!

One of the more interesting thrillers made. Glad you liked it.

Here's a couple of movies from the 1970's to check out; Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) - this drama film was the basis for the 1970s/80s CBS sitcom "Alice". A Boy And His Dog (1975) - a post-apocalyptic dark comedy starring Don Johnson (Miami Vice, Nash Bridges).

Seeing this in your reactions I was like “He’s going to enjoy this one if not be very very intrigued from the start” haha. Love how you break it all down in your head as well as it progresses through. It’s awesome to watch people react to films I love. That’s why this is such an awesome realm. Enjoying it along with others

Shan I am so glad you watched this movie I have been recommending it to a few movie reaction sites, but you are the first that I know of to watch it and I am glad because I knew you would enjoy it when Michael Douglas came through the glass roof, I had the same reaction you did. Cheers from New York USA

"Aw, there goes $1,000." "Your shoes cost $1,000??" "That ONE did."

Another MUST SEE recommendation of a thriller with Michael Douglas is FATAL ATTRACTION

This came out when I was 14, I am now 40. I have seen this movie on and off since then; always loved it! Thanks for reacting to it, awesome video! I highly recommend Michael Douglas and Gwyneth Paltrow in, "A Perfect Murder"

I saw this in theaters and really enjoyed it. I remember the audience did as well. I cant believe its been 25+ years.

30:20 - the DP was Harris Savides who collaborate mostly with Gus Van Sant. He worked again with Fincher for Zodiac.

By far the best ending i've ever seen in a movie, great video.

Has there ever been a better father and son acting duo than Kirk and Michael Douglas.

Love your unfeigned reaction to what is one of my favorite movies of all time.

31:28 - Shore work with Fincher three times. Wrote score for Seven, The Game and Panic Room.

The Game is awesome.

Delighted that you reacted to this movie. Michael Douglas did another wonderful film before this with a young Demi Moore called “Disclosure” that has never been reacted to. As far as this movie: “I am not a big fan of clowns.” Well just like Hit l er ruined that little mustache. John Wayne Gayce ruined clowns for the rest of us! Love your channel, keep up the great job!!

Yay I'm glad you're back this is such a good movie

Ahh, you haven't seen Michael Douglas in his Academy Award actor's performance which was character Gordon Gecko in Oliver Stone's Wallstreet (1987) also with Charlie Sheen, Martin Sheen and Daryl Hannah. A must watch definitely with Michael Douglas's great monolog.

This is a movie that I will absolutely sit down and watch with someone who hasn't seen it. It's a beautiful piece that has you guessing, thinking you've got something figured out, then guessing again until the end. So underappreciated!

This is one of my favourite films, I still enjoy watching this even knowing how it unfolds. Perfect performances. I saw this again last month and my sister hadn't seen it before, great reactions from her too :) imo this is also about bringing the audience along for the ride - how far are you willing to believe. In that respect it reminds me of Being There.

Some people feel that the TV show Succession somewhat "stole" the opening of this film and basically uses it as their opening

Love it. Great reaction. Another great performance by Douglas is 1987's Wallstreet. I think you'd dig it.

Such a fantastic movie! Great reaction Shan!!! Please watch Falling Down, also Michael Douglas. It's about as awesome as this movie...

Yeah man a rare gem here...great review Shan 💯💯💯

WOW before I even start watching , AMAZING you're watching this as this should be on every single reactors viewing list. Looking forward to it. Love your trek reactions as well.

My favorite Michael Douglas movie after Falling Down!

This is the one and only movie me and my mom went to the theater and seen in person, she loved it

I would love for Shan to see Black Rain , it is my favorite Michael Douglas film

Enjoyed your reaction so much, wish I could have given it two thumbs up!

Great reaction as always, Shan. I love your POV. This film gets interesting on rewatch, because you know it's all a game, but you can't help feel the "realness" of it. It can't be both at the same time yet your mind sort of makes it so.

Outstanding reaction to an uncommonly well done movie.

LOL your reaction at 20:51 I can totally identify myself while watching this movie during the first time

Beautiful reaction. You got it. I saw this when it first came out, and loved it. And have long thought that it was one of Fincher's most underrated films. Many people cannot suspend their disbelief at the end, and I've always thought that approach was tragically literal. The film is essentially a fable, and you just have to go along with it and buy into the mystery, and the character story.

Sadly this is one that sort of fell down the rabbit hole (heh), and as you said, it has only a small cult following. I've always really enjoyed it, though. I saw it in a nearly-empty theater back when it came out. This was pre-Lord of the Rings, of course, but I remember really enjoying the score, and being happy when I saw Shore was going to do the music for LOTR. He did not disappoint.

I went to see this in the theater when it came out. Went in not really knowing what to expect and left with my mind blown. Never saw that ending coming.

Still holds up as a masterpiece! Loved the reaction! 👍🏾

Great movie! Been years since I've seen it. Thanks for the replay! 💀👍🏻

A recommendation, a similar concept but I feel paced better, 2014 "13 sins". It starts as, a guy gets a phone call, "swat a fly for $100" but it escalates.

Wonderful video, Shan. _The Game_ might be my favorite David Fincher film because of how economical it is. The sets and special effects are minimal, forcing the story to enthrall us. For years, I wondered why an actor like Deborah Kara Unger who's okay was cast opposite Michael Douglas in such a pivotal role. Fincher explained that if they'd cast a star, we'd know immediately she had a major role to play through the end. As is, we have no idea who her character is or how important she is. Very ingenious.

This movie influenced the way I choose passwords and PINs back in the day heh.

New subscriber here. This is one of my favourite films of all time, and I think one of the best in the whole twist ending genre because it has about four twists. It's so intelligent. I just love it and I don't know why it didn't do better in theaters. Maybe people weren't ready for it. I think people aren't really ready for David Fincher a lot of the time. Thank you for doing this one! I never thought I'd see a reaction to it.

As a tabletop role-playing game designer, I appreciate this film as a fantasy about the transformative power of *play*. 5 stars.

My favourite Fincher movie.

I love films like this, that really roll with a bonkers high concept.

This is indeed a Superb Thriller film with the plot twist at the end. SO glad you watched this masterpiece. Suggest another Michael Douglas starring film "The Star Chamber" - 1983 film. Another thriller from a Court Judge perspective. Definitely worth a watch.

Such an underated movie.

One of my most beloved films. Great reaction!

You're one of the few who watched two of the movies on my "unappreciated" list. If you ever watch the Coen Brothers movie The Hudsucker Proxy, that would be the trifecta. Gattaca is the other one.

Such a unique film! Every Film Buff has to see it at least once.

Great movie. Enjoyed the reaction.

I fell in love with this film in my youth. I always shared it with whoever was willing to watch it. I am very grateful for your review and film perspective. I now recognize the psychological thrill genre would become one of my favorite types, that would lead me into noir, and mystery, bith in film and literary forms. Have you seen another awesome film, though more recent, which has that song that we love, White Rabbit. Check out Sucker Punch, which isn't very deep, but visually stunning, and the story concepts were entertaining. I think you would enjoy it, and we would love your review!

The song White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane. Jefferson Airplane was one of the first major groups based out of San Francisco. The movie was filmed in San Francisco, definitely a connection there plus it just went well with the film like you mentioned. Anyway excellent song.

I love this movie. I don't really know many in my life that have even heard of it though so I always try to get them to watch. Great stuff, thank you for sharing. 🐾🐾

i mean it's a good concept but i couldn't suspend my disbelief as far as this movie wanted me to. 3/5, not boring

I have always loved this movie although so many people poo on it. I love a movie that has me guessing up to the last minute and that engages my brain. Glad you liked it since so many reactors have not enjoyed it as much as I would expect them to. I was really worried that you would have a ton of criticisms lol.

The game as one of my favorite movies that belong in a certain very particular category of movie. And that category is movies that fall apart if you spend any amount of time thinking about the logistics of it. Including this list movies like Independence Day and Armageddon. Movies that are awesome to watch when you're watching them but when you're thinking about them later you're like wait a minute that's stupid. But I've always held this as the best of those kinds of movies because for one it does kick butt and David Fincher is an amazing director and he doesn't drop the ball on this movie. It's just that when you stop and think about how all this work and how perfectly would have to work in order to not have injury or real police action it makes it hard to believe but it is done incredibly well in while you're watching the movie it's a fun ride then that's what makes movies like this so good. Independence Day and Armageddon or two of my favorite movies. I've watched either one of them a million times and I can watch it again I love it just as much. But they are logically impaired LOL

I can't find anything about it now but at the same time that this came out there was a real game that was extremely similar. You would get phone calls, emails, texts at random times giving you clues and such. I'm not sure if the movie or the game came out first.

Oddly enough, it gets better with each rewatch.

I love this movie up until the final twist, imo it's so absurd that making his character want to kill himself by making him think he killed his brother would end with him happy and grateful, he would have beat the crap out of Sean Penn.

This film is based (loosely) on the amazing novel The Magus by John Fowles...the lead charatcter in which is also called Nicholas.

One of my favorite films when I first saw it years ago. I was puzzled that it didn't do better on its first run. Glad to see that it now has a cult following, and more people will enjoy it!

Lot of great San Francisco locations. I used to walk by the hotel at the end on my way to art school.