Review: Gone Girl

Favorite Quote:

“Whatever they found, I think it’s safe to assume that it is very bad..” – Tanner Bolt

Gone Girl is a mystery/thriller film that focuses on Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), an out-of-work writer that moved to Missouri with his wife Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) after his mom was diagnosed with cancer. The film opens with Nick Dunne narrating while gently combing through his wife’s hair with his fingers, letting you know right away that this is a very loving couple. When he gets home from his sister’s bar, he sees glass shattered, furniture flipped over, and no sign of Amy. Detectives investigate the crime scene and conclude that Amy was murdered. Nick becomes the prime suspect and must try to prove his innocence.

This movie is the film adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name. Gone Girl (the novel) went on to be a New York Times Best Seller, and, after watching the movie, it’s apparent as to why it made the list. The writing is outstanding. The film progressed at a near perfect pace and was so gripping that I didn’t ever want the movie to end. Certain scenes were so intense and utterly jaw-dropping. No, seriously. I caught myself with my mouth wide open, astonished at the the events happening on the screen. The film progresses while using flashbacks as a tool for fantastic character development, much like that found in the action/horror game Alan Wake.

Ben Affleck leads this movie as the film’s protagonist, and his acting is superb. He flawlessly goes through all of the emotions that go with the film’s raw and ingeniously dark plot. The beautiful Rosamund Pike stars alongside him as his missing wife, Amy. This movie easily has some of the best character development that I have ever seen. The characters, and the actors who play them, are arguably the most dynamic people to be seen on the silver screen. As this movie provides a greatly traumatic plot, it is important that the characters are dynamic and show growth. They do not disappoint.

Director David Fincher and Cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth create excellent shots that assist the film’s dark, heavy tone. Each scene is well lit, and the camera pans seem on par with their earlier work in the movie Fight Club. David Fincher has a notable reputation for making award winning films, and, with it being the beginning of Oscar season, I see this movie becoming a top contender. It’s nice to see that Fincher and company hasn’t lost an ounce of skilled filmmaking.

The only complaint I have with this movie (besides the issues in the content advisory below) is the soundtrack. To be honest, I’m not sure what to think about it. The tracks in the flashback scenes are a little distracting, but work fairly well with the tone of the scenes. The same tracks are used in some present-day scenes and pull you away from the immersion of the film.

I can definitely recommend Gone Girl to anybody that loves a great thriller with a deeply engaging mystery (assuming you can get past the many explicit scenes of the film).

As a warning for any readers who are wanting to watch this film, I would like to tell you that this movie has many scenes of a sexual nature, and a few include brief scenes of nudity. Gone Girl also has a high amount of cursing and foul language. Please keep this in mind, before heading into the movie.