Gone Baby Gone

By Nathan Young

Some films stay with you long after you've left the theater. 'Gone Baby Gone', the directorial debut of Ben Affleck, is one of those. A moral choice with more gray area than black or white leaves you with an unresolved feeling as the final credits roll. There is a lot to like in this film, and I am giving it a 'thumbs up'.

Affleck had a major hand in this project. He co-wrote the screenplay (the film was adapted from Dennis Lehane's novel of the same name) in addition to his directing and producing duties. Affleck's biggest contribution to the film, however, may have been convincing his little brother to star in it.

Casey Affleck plays Patrick Kenzie, a Boston private investigator that looks into missing person cases. His partner Angie (Michelle Monaghan) also happens to be his live-in girlfriend. A married couple who's four-year-old niece has disappeared comes to Patrick and Angie for help. While the girl's mother Helene (Amy Ryan) does not seem as interested in finding her, they decide to take the case.

Police chief Jack Doyle (Morgan Freeman) reluctantly offers his assistance to Patrick and Angie, allowing them to pick the brains of two of his detectives, Remy Bressant (Ed Harris) and Nick Poole (John Ashton). When Patrick's attempts to sniff out info from neighborhood sources fail, all hopes of finding the girl seem lost. That's when it is discovered that Helene has not been completely honest about her whereabouts the night of her daughter's disappearance.

Ben Affleck does a wonderful job of keeping the plot moving. The story never gets stale or predictable. He keeps the audience guessing and deftly sets up the gut wrenching choice at the end without tipping his hand. He also gives an honest portrayal of his hometown, right down to the thick accents and blue collar mentality.

The acting in this film is phenomenal. Casey Affleck is revelatory. He brings grit and realism to Patrick. His performance is arguably the best of his career, and he is primed to become a big star. Monaghan again shows why she was the best thing about the disappointing 'The Heartbreak Kid'. Angie is reserved but displays an inner strength that suggests she will not get pushed around. Morgan Freeman appears too briefly, but turns in a standard Morgan Freeman performance. Ed Harris is amazing as the torured and confused Bressant. His performance runs the emotional gamut, and Harris is up to the task every step of the way. Ryan is also fantastic as Helene.

The film is many things all at once: a taut thriller, a dazzling mystery and a morality play. It also makes my top five movies of the year list. I highly recommend it.