This week on Alcohollywood, we take on one of David Fincher’s lesser-known films, the 1997 thriller The Game! Uptight investment banker Nicholas Van Orton (a wonderful Michael Douglas) receives a 48th birthday present from his ne’er-do-well brother Conrad (Sean Penn) to participate in a service that turns his life into a thrilling ‘game.’ When the game starts to go too far, Nicholas is forced to fight for his life, while also trying to track down who’s behind these dangerous pranks. The film is wonderfully made, with very strong performances, crisp, slick direction from Fincher, and enough twists and turns to keep you genuinely guessing until the very end. Furthermore, we’ve got our own ‘game’ for you to play to The Game, along with our custom cocktail!
LISTEN HERE OR DOWNLOAD:
THIS EPISODE’S DRINK: CRS-titution
1 part rhubarb juice
2 parts Campari
1 part saffron simple syrup
1 pint blonde ale
Combine campari, rhubarb juice and saffron syrupinto a shotglass, then drop into pint of blonde ale.
DRINKING RULES FOR THE GAME:
- Anytime Nicholas asks a question
- Whenever you see a closeup of an object
- Whenever Nicholas’ clothing is damaged or ruined in any way
FINISH YOUR DRINK WHEN:
Conrad says, “I had to do it, Nicholas – you were becoming such an asshole.”
Next week, we start Mystery Month, where we spend May breaking down films with ‘Mystery’ in the title! Our first film in that series is Jim Jarmusch’s 1989 anthology film Mystery Train!
Another great episode. I love your assessment of the film and as always, the amazing cocktail. I’d love to try this one sometime.
Thanks so much! It’s legitimately one of my favorite films. If you do check out the drink, let us know what you think!