Whenever I finish watching a movie, I can usually make up my mind pretty quick. But Gone Girl is different; I watched David Fincher’s much-hyped thriller exactly a week ago, and I still can’t decide if I loved it or hated it. Based on the global bestseller by Gillian Flynn, the film gets many things right, but also somehow collapses under its own ambitions.
First off, it’s worth mentioning that this is one unsettling film. Director David Fincher paints a creepy and disturbing picture surrounding the disappearance of a housewife, and tops it off with dashes of social commentary (regarding the tabloid media) and a whole lot of thrills. I won’t spoil the film’s numerous twists and turns, but I do wish the script didn’t give in to so many crazy gamechangers. Things eventually get a tad too needlessly convoluted, and what starts off as a realistic crime story soon devolves into a whacky and implausible extravaganza of duplicity and gore.
Thankfully, Rosamund Pike’s performance keeps things afloat. While Ben Affleck’s casual demeanor serves the plot well, he’s also kind of dull and one-note in Gone Girl. Pike however is a downright revelation as his wife Amy Dunne. I vaguely remember seeing Pike in Die Another Day (the 2002 James Bond disaster), but this film is a terrific vehicle for her talents. The girl gets to play a whole spectrum of emotions, and she does it all with charisma to spare; it’s arguably Oscar-worthy material.
Finally, the less said about Neil Patrick Harris’ supporting turn as Amy’s ex-boyfriend the better; I still don’t understand how he got cast.
Conclusion
Gone Girl is an intelligent thriller, but it’s also a picture that carries on for 20 minutes too long and starts bordering on the ridiculous. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for some suspense, it’s certainly an engrossing experience.
Nad Rating
B
I've read the book a long time ago, and it's a haunting and captivating ride! I was reluctant to watch the movie, especially because I just didn't feel Ben Affleck was right for the role, but I don't know maybe I'm wrong. Have to check this movie out now!
Always a pleasure to read your insight!
i get that you haven't read the book. it is certainly not a thriller nor a movie based on suspense. It is a psychological movie filled with hidden messages that leaves you thinking about your own relationships with your partner, your parents and even yourself… i always say a good movie is one that keeps you analyzing and rewinding it until the next day, and for Gone Girl i kept thinking about the book for 4 months and about the movie for 1 week. For me, it is the “Inception” kind of movie/book, that you can see/read several times and you'll be learning something new each time you do it.
Hi Jessica. I like what you said about a movie that keeps you thinking, and this definitely kept me thinking a few days afterwards. I just really wanted to LOVE it, but the absolutely crazy final hour kind of ruined it for me.
I'm extremely intrigued by the book and I think I'll read it soon 🙂
Check it out and let me know Chris! I'm eager to see how it compares to the book in your opinion!
I haven't read the book but, after seeing the movie, I was immediately certain what I saw was one of the best films of this year. Rosamund Pike's performance was part of the reason why I was certain of that.
unlike you, i heard Ben Affleck was chosen for the role when i was still reading the book, and i seriously couldn't imagine anyone else being Nick Dune.I could imagine Ben as Nick in every scene. I was shocked though by Rosamund Pike's performance, WOW didn't see that one coming !!!