My love for David Fincher has grown since I saw ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’, with that stunning performance from Rooney Mara. Dragon Tattoo was meant to be a trilogy. Fincher felt there was room in the market for adult themed stories, but sadly the box office returns didn’t convince the Studio (Sony Pictures) and so Fincher’s version of Stieg Larson’s books was never completed. The $90m budget produced $232m in box office, just short of three times the budget.
(This to me was sad as this is exactly I wanted to place myself, in adult themed storytelling).
Although in Europe, the ‘American’ version was seen as inferior to the Swedish one with Noomi Rapace; I couldn’t agree less by the way, for Fincher’s version is far more harrowing to say the least. The Rapace film, directed by Niels Arden Oplev, obviously had the same dark themes, but only Fincher knew where to take them.
“Television is the place where characters can be slowly peeled and revealed.” (Unlike film). Just look at the difference Fincher made to the the Netflix series ‘Mindhunter’. His Direction is so gripping to the storyline and how it’s presented to the audience. There’s a marked shift in the quality of the production and storytelling, when he’s stood behind the camera.
“Learn your craft and it will never stop you being a genius. That’s the kind of thinking you want to surround yourself with.”
Love this quote and just wanted to share it.
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Big fan of most Fincher and loved MINDHUNTER. It's a shame we're not getting more seasons. Much more of the story still to tell.
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Zodiac is a masterclass
Fincher is among my favorite working directors, as each film (or series, in the case of Mindhunter) is a masterclass in storytelling and precision. I recently re-watched Zodiac for the umpteenth time and realized every decision by the actors could have been made on take 12 of 24, but it was the RIGHT one for the film. He knows what he's looking for, and he doesn't rest until he has it. To this day, I'm still baffled by whatever politics that prevented him from losing that Best Directing Oscar for The Social Network, a beautiful marriage of screenwriting, editing and directing.
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THE SOCIAL NETWORK absolutely should have won that year. Agree on all counts, James.
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Richard "RB" Botto absolutely!
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Richard "RB" Botto Mindhunter. Yes, absolutely. We were left hanging and needed more. I’m always amazed that a show with such critical acclaim and such a loyal fan base didn’t seem to register or resonate with the Execs that pulled it.
Derek Reid yes, Derek. That scene in the kitchen is acted and filmed to perfection.
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James Welday James, for me it was the camera work that was one of the main things that stood out, when Fincher was Directing an episode. He just had an edge over the other and it really elevated the story.
@Geoff Love your expression “Peeled & Revealed,” so true serial TV/Web has luxury of the long game. I feel that no matter how expertly a character is portrayed in a film my experience is on speed dial and I’m not quite through with them.
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Geoff Hall this is one of the few times I have to disagree with you. In terms of story telling the Swedish original was a far beyond the remake. At a tiny fraction of the cost. Really impressive piece of film-making.
The Swedish original was strong enough to support the making of the other 2 pictures in the trilogy. Fincher's re-telling? Not so much.
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Loved his work on the pilot of House of Cards!
Andrew Sobkovich Andrew, let’s agree to disagree. I kept waiting for the edge, for something gut churning, considering the Larson story and for me it just didn’t deliver. Plus, did I mention I was in love with Rooney Mara?
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Debbie Croysdale sadly Debbie, ‘‘twas not me, but David Fincher’s genius.
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Richard "RB" Botto “RB” let’s start a conversation, if you have time, about what you mean by ‘most of Fincher’. What are the films you are not a fan of? Help us grow, Obi Wan!
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Film The Game & Panic Room blew me away but some of my fellow artists particularly enjoyed Fight Club & Girl With Dragon Tattoo. I dig the way Fincher “Mines” the characters minds and builds layers within layers with often no need for dialogue.
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Debbie Croysdale yes Debbie and I suppose that he may have 14 takes for a scene, then the actor has a lot of digging to do.
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Great quote - and, yes, I'll use it! “Learn your craft and it will never stop you being a genius. That’s the kind of thinking you want to surround yourself with.”
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Truly one of the best to ever do it, his work is effortlessly incredible! Geoff Hall
I’m seeking a collaborator to help refine and expand the project for a wider audience.
You become a Gazillionaire. I’m 76 years old and looking forward to the adventure.
Why This Book Stands Out: Danger in Discovery Bay
• Unique Format – A sci-fi manuscript with gobs of excitement.
• Cinematic Appeal – Originally written with a screenplay-like structure, making it adaptable for multiple formats.
• Growing Interest – Available on Amazon, with early traction from readers.
I would love to discuss how we could enhance this book’s reach through traditional publishing, expanded distribution, or further development.
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Best regards,
George Fincher
george@energy-controls.com
https://www.amazon.com/author/danger-in-discovery-bay
George Fincher Hi George, this isn’t really the place to post this. You should publish something in the screenwriter’s lounge, as we try to keep the focus of each lounge for its designated purpose. Thanks, Geoff (Lounge Moderator)