STEAMY STREAMING: DAVID FINCHER

BY: Georgia Davis

David Fincher has created plenty of films that deserve a spot in the Movie Twists Hall of Fame. Most have a crime theme, though what the offense is can be very subtle. With his upcoming film Mank hitting Netflix in October, there is a lot to celebrate and relive in the Fincher filmography.

THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Ah, yes, a film about the founding of Facebook. Talk about movies that have aged well. Fincher teamed up screenwriter Aaron Sorkin to create a high-energy film about a Facebook legal battle. Jesse Eisenberg makes the perfect Mark Zuckerberg in the 2010 flick.

The Social Network is available on Netflix.

GONE GIRL

If you’ve read Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, then you know what twists are in store for this adaptation. Flynn also wrote the screenplay, which is probably why the film stays true to the novel. But Fincher brings out all of the tale’s creepiness, which was enhanced by Ben Affleck’s and Rosamund Pike’s portrayal of Nick and Amy Dunne.

Gone Girl is available to rent on Amazon Prime.

MINDHUNTER

After Gone Girl, Fincher turned to TV and directed the crime series Mindhunter. The Netflix show is based on a true story and follows two FBI agents who get into the minds of the most notorious serial killers. Jonathan Groff is superb and demonstrates his many talents.

Mindhunter is available on Netflix.

SE7EN

Up until Se7en, Fincher was best known for directing music videos. He had only directed one other film, Alien 3. Se7en starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Gwyneth Paltrow put him on the map. The 1995 crime drama didn’t rack up many Oscar nominations, but it is regarded as one of the best films of all time.

Se7en is available to rent on Amazon Prime.

ZODIAC

Speaking of crime dramas, nothing holds a candle to Zodiac. The story takes place in San Francisco at the city’s Chronicle newspaper, where the Zodiac killer sent encrypted notes. A ragtag team of journalists — played by Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr. and Jake Gyllenhaal — work to uncover the identity of the serial killer.

Zodiac is available on Netflix.

FIGHT CLUB

Now we’ve come to our last Fincher recommendation — the true cult classic, Fight Club. You may have seen this once, twice or 100 times, but it’s always worth revisiting. Every time you view it, you catch something you didn’t before. And if you haven’t seen it, well, you’re in for the ride of your life. Remember, there’s just one rule: You don’t talk about Fight Club.

Fight Club is available on HBO Max.