This film is adapted from the novel by Dennis Lehane who uses Boston as the setting in many of his stories. Gone Baby Gone is the directorial debut of another Bostonian, Ben Affleck.
If you can get past the constant use of vulgar four-letter words, you may enjoy this thriller. Director Ben Affleck's best casting decision was to place his brother Casey Affleck in the role of Patrick Kenzie, an independent investigator who sometimes works at odds with the Police Department. With his girlfriend Angie as his partner, Patrick is asked to locate four-year-old Amanda who has disappeared from her home. They are not welcomed aboard by Police Captain Jack Doyle, who is portrayed by Morgan Freeman.
The greatest hurdle Patrick and Angie must deal with is the character of Amanda's mother, Helene, who is a drug and alcohol addict who frequents bars in the neighborhood. Amy Ryan who portrays Helene was nominated in 2008 for an Oscar as well as a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role. She certainly deserved the nomination.
The trail takes Patrick down a dangerous road when he uncovers the fact that Helene has acted as a mule for a drug dealer, delivering drugs and bringing back the cash. A large sum of this cash turns up missing. We are then introduced to Remy, another police officer, played by Ed Harris, who appears to know more about the case than he admits, and is tripped up when he inadvertently reveals a fact that was not public knowledge. We might also mention the fact that Captain Doyle seems to be placing some of the hurdles in Patrick's way.
The surprising and unforeseen resolution of the case presents a moral dilemma for Patrick whose need to disclose the outcome conflicts with the wishes of his girlfriend Angie who wants him to let it be. We are left with the sense that the couple have split because of Patrick's taking the high ground. It would be a cruel injustice to reveal the last half-hour of the movie here.
A great cast was aided by a brilliant script to bring us a thrilling story with several twists. Kudos to Ben Affleck and his brother Casey.
Sources:
Movie – Gone Baby Gone (2007)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0452623/