Gone Baby Gone

Gone Baby Gone (2007) - 7/10

First Viewing: ~ 2/17/08
Ben Affleck (Dir.)
John Toll (DP)
Starring Casey Affleck as Patrick Kenzie; Morgan Freeman as Capt. Doyle; Ed Harris as Det. Remmy Bressant; Amy Ryan as The Mother; Michelle Monaghan as Angie Genarro

In Boston, a mother’s child is abducted and two detectives - a girlfriend and boyfriend working as partners - are enlisted to help solve the case. What follows is an interesting, occasionally riveting mystery that leaves none of the characters untouched. Ben Affleck's film explores the tenacious beliefs that all individuals hold; each of the characters’ belief that what they are doing is morally “right” drives the film's plot. Patrick believes that the abducted child, if found, should be returned to the mother - who is a negligent drug addict - while his girlfriend, Michelle, disagrees and wants the child to have loving guardians, even if the child was obtained by illicit means.

This is a compelling question: Who deserves a child versus who has the right to keep one? Unfortunately, this idea is slightly weakened by Affleck’s failure to develop the tension within the boyfriend and girlfriend detective team; the couple seems to start disagreeing spontaneously. The film's other issue is the episodic nature of its plot, with an over-reliance on contrivances – and flashbacks – that make the film seem muddled. For instance, one scene involving an exchange is played back at least three times throughout the film from different vantage points. Yet it's still unclear what exactly happened.

The performances, for the most part, are excellent. Amy Ryan as the despicable, drug-addled mom who, in a selfish and even obligatory manner, wants her child back is simply fantastic and Casey Affleck is very good. Despite the film's issues, this is a pretty impressive directing debut by Ben Affleck.