Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Gone Girl

Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry
Director: David Fincher
Running Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes
Rating: R


I've been struggling with how to write a non-spoiling yet satisfying enough for my readers kind of review of this film. It has the darkness (obviously) that director David Fincher gravitates towards (see "Se7en", "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo") but it seemed like an interesting choice to take on what some consider a "girls book club" project. Thankfully he did.

If "Argo" didn't send me head over heels for Ben Affleck, oddly enough, "Gone Girl" did. He charms us and disgusts us, though I'll say that we see more of NPH (or shall I say "NPeenH") than the over-hyped Affleck frontal. As Nick Dunne, Affleck struggles with the sudden disappearance of his wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike). Amy is cold, Nick is slimy, something is definitely off here, but you can't quite put your finger on it. Rosamund nailed this role, one of the most coveted since Rooney Mara landed "Dragon Tattoo."

Margot (Carrie Coon) is Nick's sister, and perhaps the only person we trust. She is supportive and relatable in a time of utter chaos. ATL's baby boi Tyler Perry doesn't grace us with his presence long enough as Nick's defense attorney. Neither does "Boy Meets World" turned "One Tree Hill" sidekick Lee Norris. UNCSA alum Missi Pyle is fantastic comedic relief as a Nancy Grace character, who leads the media frenzy against Nick.

Also against Nick (for the most part) are lead detectives Boney and Gilpin (Kim Dickens and Patrick Fugit). These two have such chemistry. The score sets the mood, but is oddly more optimistic than looming, thanks to Trent Reznor of "Nine Inch Nails" and Atticus Ross. These two have a musical chemistry not unlike Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. What are written as chapters in the book are flashbacks in the film. It's highly effective. Kudos to Gillian Flynn for writing such a cohesive and engaging screenplay.

If it sounds like I'm skipping over major plot points, I am. This story is too good to let any spoilers out. I thought the book was creepy and this film nailed the creep factor. The plot has multiple personality disorder. It has more twists than a year's worth of Kardashian relationships. Divulging further into the plot would be a real shame for those of you who have covered your ears each time the words "Gone Girl" have been uttered, or changed the channel when you saw Ben Affleck on the talk shows. You may lack closure at the ending, but when you think about how ridiculous said ending may be, remember what you just sat through.

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