Gone Girl
Starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike
Directed by David Fincher
It’s the date movie of the decade. David Fincher’s Gone Girl is a blistering vision of modern marriage that works best as a satire on contemporary relationships and media scrutiny. Based on the provocative bestseller by Gillian Flynn (who also adapted the screenplay), the story opens with Nick Dunne (Affleck) arriving home to realize his wife Amy (Pike) is missing.
A police investigation and media circus ensues as Nick’s apparent indifference about his wife’s whereabouts leads to sneaking suspicion, but this is after all a Fincher flick so nothing is as it seems.
The less revealed about the subsequent plot the better (for those unfamiliar with the source material) but twists abound and some are downright shocking.
Thankfully, the veteran director skillfully saves these potentially clichéd moments from crumbling into silliness. Aided by his longtime cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth and teaming up once again with composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Fincher meticulously crafts an eerie, atmospheric world that is so heightened at times, it almost feels like fantasy.
Casting is always key and the major players each hit the mark.
Affleck legitimizes himself as a dramatic actor while Pike’s stunning performance will be immortalized as the one that made her a household name.
Strong support from Kim Dickens, Neil Patrick Harris and a scene-stealing Tyler Perry also add to the immense appeal of the film.
Gone Girl is a rarified cinematic treat which represents a masterclass in filmmaking that pushes boundaries and will have couples conversing for months to come.
