Director: David Fincher (Fight Club, Se7en, The Social Network, Zodiac)
Cast: Ben Affleck (The Town, Argo), Rosamund Pike (LOTR), Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry
Running Time: 149 minutes
The challenge for any director bringing a book to the big screen, is the expectations and multitudes of fans expecting something as good, if not better than the literary version. David Fincher has met this challenge head on, the director of brilliant thrillers such as Se7en and Zodiac, has provided yet another thought provoking film that will leave you speechless once the credits roll.
Gone Girl is the story of Nick and Amy Dunne (Played by Ben Affleck & Rosamund Pike), a couple living a mundane life in a small quiet town in Missouri. On their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick returns home to find his house disturbed, and his wife missing. From there, an investigation is launched into her disappearance, evidence leading the police to suspect she was murdered, with her husband as the main suspect. In the court of public opinion, Nick has already been tried and convicted, being branded a murderer by the tabloid media. His initial appearance and demeanour at his wife's disappearance, does nothing to help his cause. Appearing withdrawn and emotionally numb, he is already presumed to be guilty.Â
"I did not kill my wife. I am not a murderer."
The film jumps between past and present, as we are shown the relationship between Nick & Amy, as well as the ongoing investigation from both their viewpoints. Both Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike are cast perfectly, they are tasked with portraying different facades throughout the film and come out convincingly. Affleck has attracted constant media attention and speculation throughout his career, and it is rather fitting, that he plays Nick Dunne. Tyler Perry as Tanner Bolt, Nick Dunne's attorney, plays the role of wise advisor. Along with Carrie Coon, Nick's twin sister, they teach Nick that what he says and how he appears to say it, are just as important to his public perception. It was really refreshing to see Tyler Perry in a serious role, which really suited him, and one can hope that we don't see him donning dresses in the near future, as he has the capacity to give really good performances. The only gripe in regards to casting, was Neil Patrick Harris. Although a very talented actor, it was hard to find him convincing in his role as Desi Collings, a man obsessed and infatuated with Amy Dunne since high school. Ultimately, every supporting character helps to enhance the relationship between Nick and Amy, their appearance to the public and what they say is challenged by these characters.
Visually, each frame is beautiful, David Fincher is a perfectionist when it comes to making films. Being familiar with his other thriller films, one can see the similarities in style of Gone Girl to his other book interpretation of Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The film undergoes a dark tone throughout the storyline, and it is excellently built up with the accompanying film score. The twists and turn of the plot were not expected, and it wasn't a cheap gimmick or cop out, it fitted with the theme of the film. The intentions of the characters, whether they are good or bad, are never highlighted. Fincher makes sure that we never take the side of a character. We are presented with their narratives and the consequences of their actions. The film makes social commentary on public perception being driven by tabloid sensationalism reporting. Truth, facts and fairness are irrelevant. In the Gone Girl world, all that matters is how you sell your story, everything else is a footnote. David Fincher is a director who makes films rather than movies, and Gone Girl is most definitely a film.
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