Affleck makes surprisingly good directorial turn with “Gone”

Published 12:00 am Friday, October 26, 2007

This Ben Affleck guy might be more than a tabloid punchline after all.

Last year, Affleck gave one of the best performances of his career as George Reeves in the underappreciated “Hollywoodland.” Now the former Mr. Jennifer Lopez shows he has talent behind the lens with his directorial debut, “Gone Baby Gone.” Adapted from a Dennis Lehane novel – the same man behind 2003’s “Mystic River” – this is an intense ensemble drama that will definitely have audiences talking afterward.

Ben’s younger brother Casey stars as Patrick, a private investigator hired to find a 4-year-old girl who was kidnapped from her Boston home after her mother Helene (Amy Ryan) leaves her alone to go off to a bar with her latest boyfriend.

At first Patrick and his partner/girlfriend (Michelle Monaghan) are reluctant to take the case, but eventually agree after pleas from the girl’s aunt (Amy Madigan). The case proves to be even more than they feared – the kidnapping is just the beginning of a larger conspiracy.

“Gone Baby Gone” features a first-rate cast that is very impressive.

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Casey Affleck shows he is more than capable of carrying a film, with a strong and believable performance. Madigan and Monaghan are two of a strong group of supporting performances that include Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris and John Ashton.

Ryan fares the best of everyone, with an Oscar-worthy performance as a mother who is obviously not fit to care for her child.

Ben Affleck seems to understand his cast’s strengths and does a good job of not overshadowing them with his direction. He also has a keen eye for the Boston neighborhood, adding to the film’s authenticity.

Ben is also smart enough to find quality material, which is definitely the case with “Gone Baby Gone.” Like last week’s film “Michael Clayton,” this is a film with a lot of deep subtexts in the material. Some people may argue that there are one too many twists, but I think it makes for a compelling final act that is sure to illicit some type of discussion from its audience.

This is a film that isn’t afraid to tackle a moral dilemma with great conviction. Here’s hoping that Ben Affleck can continue to build on his current momentum, because “Gone Baby Gone” shows that he may actually be a pretty talented guy.

Sportswriter/movie review Micheal Compton (who, like “Spidey 3,” is at his best when special effects are displayed) can be reached via e-mail at mcompton@bgdailynews.com.