The next feature I have decided to do on the blog is reviewing various film directors. With each entry, I will choose a director and share my thoughts on their most popular films. For the first director feature, I have chosen to cover the work of David Fincher.
Alien 3 - 1992
I've made no secret of the fact that I personally think the original Alien is an absolute masterpiece. Its sequel, Aliens, disappointed me somewhat. With Alien 3, Fincher seemed to try and combine the terror from the first with the spectacle of the second. It didn't really work and while the film isn't a complete disaster, it pales in comparison to even the latest instalment in the franchise, Prometheus. While watchable, Alien 3 is instantly forgettable and is a lowlight in Fincher's otherwise stellar career.
Se7en - 1995
1995's Se7en proved to be a breakout film for Fincher. A real masterpiece that showed the world how brilliant this director could be. Scenes are delivered so precisely, forcing the tension to rise and culminate in one of cinemas most talked about final acts. This is a psychological roller coaster of the highest order.
Fight Club - 1999
Fight Club was the first David Fincher film I saw, and to this day it is my favourite. It's excellently acted, scripted and paced and actually gets better with repeat viewings. It's one of those rare films that has so much to offer beneath its surface. To this day I am mesmerised by its psychological complexity and unorthodox themes.
Panic Room - 2002
With Panic Room, Fincher showed he could still deliver a basic thriller that was just as gripping as his more complex projects. It is, however, not Fincher's finest as some of the plot points sadly don't match the reactions of the characters. It's often coincidental too, which wears thin at times. Still, it has all the basic ingredients that make it a fine crime thriller.
Zodiac - 2007
Zodiac saw Fincher return to his best. I personally believe this film is underrated by many and that it should stand alongside his earlier masterpieces. The performances are all terrific throughout and Fincher delivers an intensely atmospheric film. It's complex and exact but that is precisely the reason it succeeds as a realistic criminal manhunt.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - 2008
Probably the one Fincher film I personally didn't connect with. There is no doubt that emotionally and visually it delivers plenty, but I personally found parts of it slightly laboured and flat. There is much to admire here and while I can appreciate the quality of the production, it doesn't hold enough substance for me to be invested enough in the three hour runtime.
The Social Network - 2010
A marvellous film that, for me, puts Fincher up there with the best directors around today. To deliver such incredible filmmaking for a movie of this type, really shows how talented Fincher is. It successfully portrays the depths human beings will go when driven by greed and betrayal. It outlines the birth of Facebook, all the while delivering a gripping character study on its creators.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - 2011
The original Swedish version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is one of my favourite ever foreign films. When I heard it was being remade with a hollywood cast, I doubted it would match the highs of its predecessor. While it certainly doesn't have the same impact, this version is still magnificent. Fincher has managed to deliver mystery, suspense and threat throughout and the cinematography is breathtaking. While it occasionally lacks originality and grit, Fincher has managed to achieve something extremely special here.
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