Cinemapod Cinemapod

Bo and Ben discuss Ben Affleck’s fascinating neo-noir debut, “Gone Baby Gone.” They both praise its intelligence and its moral ambiguity. They both agree that it’s not quite a masterpiece because Affleck’s visual sensibility or control isn’t quite at elite level. Furthermore, the film has structural problems. Bo doesn’t like some of the unrealistically clever, cocky dialogue for Casey Affleck, arguing that it would be more poignant if it remained consistently realistic. Ben likes the dialogue and doesn’t quite agree.

Both agree that most of the performances are excellent, especially Amy Ryan’s. But they also both agree that Michelle Monaghan’s performance is a weak spot. The script likely doesn’t do her any favors either. Surprisingly, Bo argues that Morgan Freeman’s performance is another weak spot. He is too avuncular and stoic to convey the depth of hurt and guilt that his character should feel.

For whatever its flaws, though, the movie remains haunting and morally ambiguous in a way that few do. This is what mainstream filmmaking should be about.

Ebert’s review: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/gone-baby-gone-2007

Other reviews: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gone_baby_gone