Top 5 David Fincher Films

By Austin Johnson

My admiration for David Fincher is summed up best by my favorite quote of his, which goes like this. “People will always say, ‘there are a million ways to shoot a scene,' but I don’t think so. I think there’s two maybe. And the other one is wrong.” Fincher has now directed 10 films, but let’s be honest, only 9 of them count. He has gained a cult-like following of people through his work, who will drop anything to see something he has done. I’m 100% in that cult, but I hope to see him truly recognized by the masses, and awarded by the highest honors. Fincher’s style doesn’t sell out for shit though, which is why we love the guy. He demands excellence and receives it damn near every time, driving actors insane with countless takes. The end product is worth the wait, and I’m sure that the wait for his next film will be the exact same.

5.) Gone Girl (2014)

“I swear, you two are the most fucked up people
I've ever known and I specialize in fucked up.”

I took my ass to Barnes and Noble right after seeing this one so I could read Gillian Flynn’s book of the same title that came out two years prior. I read that shit in two sittings at Los Roberto's taco shop in San Antonio. It’s a truly addicting story, and i was definitely a part of the hype surrounding the whole thing. This is Fincher’s most recent film to date and it also made the most money at the box office out of any of his films. Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike become the Dunnes for two and a half hours as we see their marriage unravel through dark, psychological warfare. We get incredible supporting performances from the likes of Carrie Coon, Kim Dickens, Tyler Perry, and Neil Patrick Harris. I have such an easy time rewatching this film that fires on all cylinders throughout. The audience never knows who to root for, as there is not much redemption, but instead, more confusion.

4.) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

“You will be investigating thieves, misers, bullies, the most detestable collection of people that you will ever meet... my family.”

The Millenium series by the legend, Steig Larsson, is a cultural treasure that millions of people have delved into since the first installment, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo came out in 2005. Two books followed it, and then the trilogy was adapted into films starring Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyqvist in 2009. Larsson was Swedish, and the films were Swedish, but that didn’t stop the world from finding out about this legendary story. You can be upset with Fincher for giving a crack at this story just 2 years after the Swedish films came out, but Fincher and the cast of Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig, Stellan Skarsgård, and others offer something different. We have the wonderful moment when Martin (Skarsgård) is basically torturing Mikael (Craig), and the jolly track, "Orinoco Flow" by Enya is playing in the background. Craig had been listening to that song while traveling from set to set. Fincher needed a song for one of the most intense moments he’s ever directed and he went with his gut in that moment. So fucking cool.

3.) Fight Club (1999)

“I flipped through catalogs and wondered:
What kind of dining set defines me as a person?”

Coming in at number 3 is Fincher’s fourth film, which I wrote about not too long ago. Check it out in our articles tab for more. Fight Club will always be filled with controversy, which gives it some charm and grit. Something that people should know going into the film is that the original story by Chuck Palahniuk was inspired by his male co-workers and friends not being able to really talk to each other. Males are taught to be tough through everything, sometimes bottling things up that you should totally be able to say out loud. This story plays with questions about communication and how we handle the day-to-day consumption that we endure. It came out at the end of a century, when things were changing quite quickly. This is pre-social media, pre-so many things that are a part of our everyday life. What I love about the film is that so many of the themes dealing with consumerism will be relatable forever, because a lot of us get caught up in the cycle of our capitalistic society. The trio of Pitt, Norton, and Bonham Carter is an all-time cast that makes the film rewatchable as ever. It may be 2 hours and 29 minutes, but that is some of the best time you’ll ever spend in front of a screen.

2.) The Social Network (2010)

“The Internet’s not written in pencil, Mark, it’s written in ink.”

This is the film of Fincher’s that everyone seems to really love, including the Academy, as it was nominated for 8 Oscars and took home 3. Mark Zuckerberg is one of the richest dudes to ever live, and it seems like Eisenberg was meant to play this role. I don’t see a weak point in the cast thoughout with Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, and Rooney Mara joining the team of young actors. The writing has been highly praised over the years, and it has aged extremely well, thanks to the legend himself, Aaron Sorkin. Fincher didn’t waste any time telling the story of Facebook’s birth, growth, and drama in a brilliant fashion. It’s another story that he felt like he had to tell the world through his own lens, but this is a real story. He takes on dark, and creepy stories, and this is exactly that, showcasing the influence that the internet has on our society. All of this is based on true events that happened not that long ago, giving it a higher impact as we all left the theater in 2010 and probably got onto Facebook shortly after. I remember getting on my phone and searching for the soundtrack right away, because Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor’s music really became a character in the film with their wonderful input through sound. Next time you’re driving late at night, listen to the second track, "In Motion." You won’t regret it.

1.) Zodiac (2007)

“Someone should write a fuckin’ book, that’s for sure.”

Not only do I think that this is David Fincher’s most complete project to date, but I would say that it is one of the best films of its decade. We get a performance full of heart from a young Jake Gyllenhaal, and we have Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo, who became fucking Iron Man and Hulk shortly after. Based on Robert Graysmith’s (Gyllenhaal) book of the same name, this story takes a look at one of the most infamous serial killers of all time. Its setting of late 60’s, early 70’s San Francisco blends really well with Fincher’s dark tones, and long shot taking. I have to shout out John Carroll Lynch, who played Arthur Leigh Allen, one of the key suspects. His ass was born to play this man! Check out the scene at the hour and twenty minute mark, unreal. Also, "Hurdy Gurdy Man" by Donovan plays after the very first killing that we see, and also when the credits roll, placing you into this world until Fincher says you can get up and continue living your life. This film consists of 10’s all across the board, and it is a must see for anyone who wants to enjoy a nice Filmgazm.