Writer: Gillian Flynn (Screenplay) Gillian Flynn (Novel)
Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Carrie Coon, Kim Dickens, Patrick Fugit, David Clennon,, Lisa Banes, Missi Plye
Plot: With his wife’s disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it’s suspected that he may not be innocent.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Hauntingly Thrilling
Story: Gone Girl starts by Nick (Affleck) talking about his wife Amy (Pike) talking about marriage. Reaching their fifth wedding anniversary Nick is confiding in his sister Margo (Coon), before flashing back to the first meeting between Nick and Amy. When Nick returns home the interior damaged but couldn’t find Amy anywhere. Detective Rhonda Boney (Dickens) and Officer James Gilpin (Fugit) investigate the early stages of what could have happened. We continue to get flash backs learning about how they had a perfect looking relationship and marriage.
As the investigation continues the clues that Amy has left for the anniversary treasure hunt could help find the answers to her whereabouts. As the search for Amy continues suspects start appearing but the clues start pointing towards Nick himself. We continue to see how their relationship was breaking down and not looking as rosy as it once was and Nick he becomes public suspect number one. We are left for the biggest surprise half way through when everything goes in a different direction.
Gone Girl is a film I never got around to seeing first time around but I have caught up now and I also managed not to hear anything about what happens during the film. By doing this I was going into this film expecting a court case style film where we have to watch an investigation unfold before we decide whether Nick was guilty or not. What we got was something so very different so much so we end up following one genre before everything getting thrown wide open and concluding with something even more disturbing. We have elements of mystery to start, before it turns into a revenge style film before fading into something we could never imagine half way through. This turns into one of the thrillers of the year and it will keep you guessing up until the final moments. (10/10)
Actor Review
Ben Affleck: Nick Dunne the husband whose wife has gone missing, but as the story unfolds, we see how he isn’t as innocent as he may well look especially as we see how their marriage is falling apart. Ben gives a good performance and is proving he is getting back to the big name actor he once was. (9/10)
Rosamund Pike: Amy Dunne the gone girl herself who tells the story of how the marriage ran, from the happy start to the cracks appearing over the years. Amy just happens to be holding a secret that we learn of half way through that could change our opinion on her. Rosamund gives a great performance showing she is ready to be a leading lady in anything now. (9/10)
Tyler Perry: Tanner Bolt lawyer who takes the case to prove that nick is innocent but when he hears the story he finds out he might be in deeper than he could imagine and turns into a PR man. Tyler gives a solid performance with the few scenes he has. (7/10)
Carrie Coon: Margo Dunne sister to Nick who stands by him through all the issue that come up but always knew he was innocent. Carrie gives a good performance and provides a perfect supporting character for Nick. (9/10)
Kim Dickens: Detective Rhonda Boney on the case looking for the truth about who is responsible for the missing girl or where she could have gone. Kim does a good job in the role showing how neutral she would need to be in the situation. (8/10)
Support Cast: Gone Girl has a large supporting cast of people judging Nick as well as a few that supporting Amy in her time of need. We see how both characters have used others to get to where they are and in the situation they are in.
Director Review: David Fincher – David always gives you good direction when you see his name on a film and this is no different, taking what could be a very simple film and having twists and turns all over the place. (9/10)
Drama: Gone Girl shows you how easily we can be led down a path to believe what a certain character thinks or wants you to believe. (9/10)
Mystery: Gone Girl keeps us wondering what happened and who will end up getting the blame. (9/10)
Thriller: Gone Girl keeps us guessing while at the edge of our seats seeing what will happen next. (9/10)
Settings: Gone Girl uses the settings to keep the story have a very real feeling to it throughout. (9/10)
Suggestion: Gone Girl is a must watch this year, it could easily be one of the best thrillers this year too. (Must Watch)
Best Part: An hour in when things take a huge turn.
Worst Part: Hard to find one.
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Awards: Nominated for four Golden Globes including Best Director, Best Actress, Best Screenplay and Best Original Score.
Oscar Chances: Could easily get nomination.
Box Office: $362 Million
Budget: $61 Million
Runtime: 2 Hours 29 Minutes
Tagline: Was Nick Dunne lying?
Trivia: When it comes to casting roles, David Fincher typically goes on the internet to look through pictures of actors to help him find the right type of actor for a role. When casting the role of Nick Dunne, Fincher spotted photos of Ben Affleck and noticed a particular smile Affleck had on dozens of pictures. According to Fincher, it captured a particular emotion in a scene of Nick Dunne smiling that showed the essence of the character. Soon after, Fincher cast Ben Affleck in the role.
Overall: Game Changer in the Thriller Genre
Rating