A few years ago, I checked out Gone Girl from the library. I started reading it and really enjoyed it, but then life got in the way, and before I knew it, it was time to return it. Considering its popularity, I was unable to renew it. To be honest, I was surprised I was able to get it without having to be on a wait list.
As the film was released just a few weeks ago, my interest in the novel was renewed, and I quickly plowed through it. It was an excellent novel, full of dark twists and turns. I couldn’t put it down. The movie went straight to the top of my must-see list. And with David Fincher (one of today's greatest filmmakers in my opinion) directing, there was no way it could go wrong.
“Gone Girl” tells the story of Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), a man who after 5 years of marriage couldn’t be unhappier. Just as he is ready to announce to his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) that he wants a divorce, he returns home to find her missing. The police and media begin to paint Nick as an uncaring husband who seems to have little to no concern about his wife’s sudden disappearance, thus making him the prime suspect.
And that’s all I am going to say in terms of plot. There are so many great, dark twists and turns, I truly feel like any other information I disclose about the storyline would be a spoiler.
As Nick Dunne, Ben Affleck does a great job of portraying an everyday man unhappy with his marriage. I also really enjoyed Carrie Coon as Margo, Nick’s twin sister. She portrays Margo exactly the way I pictured her from the book. But this movie belongs to Rosamund Pike. As Amy Dunne, she is pitch perfect. The voice, the facial expressions, the movements-there is no one better to play this part. She will be up for an Oscar for sure, and she could very well win. This is truly a star-making turn for her, and I highly anticipate her future projects.
There is no one more perfect to direct this film than David Fincher. He truly captures the mood and tone of the book. He can now add this to his list of modern-day classics that include “Fight Club” and “The Social Network.”
“Gone Girl” is a film you won’t want to miss, especially if you enjoyed the book. While there are changes from the book to the movie, that’s to be expected, and any additions or changes work perfectly.