David Fincher’s movies aren’t so much just another notable film release on the calendar as they are events. He’s a director of such technical brilliance, consistency and passion that just about every movie he has ever released is something that will be remembered fondly in most circles. Fincher is also a very modern director who likes to shoot in digital and use very state-of-the-art scores and techniques to make his films shine with originality and excitement. Therefore, I believe Gone Girl to be a movie that is a must see for film lovers and people passionate about the medium. And sure enough, with Gone Girl, Fincher’s technical abilities come together to tell a riveting, heavily thematic story that almost never lets up. This is one of the best movies I’ve seen all year and is one that will certainly improve on repeat viewings.
Gone Girl is David Fincher’s second straight adaptation of a novel (this one based off the novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn). He really knows what type of material his sensibilities are suited for because it’s almost as if this book was written for Fincher to adapt. Gone Girl is an insane roller coaster of a film. This film is basically about a man named Nick Dunne whose wife is suddenly missing and the massive investigation that is launched to help discover her whereabouts. The story captures the attention of the media and American public in the story because his wife, Amy (played by Rosamund Pike), is a somewhat recognizable figure and it isn’t long before Nick is suspected as being somehow responsible for her disappearance. Going any further than that in explaining what happens would be a crime, because Gone Girl is one of the most unpredictable and interesting mystery movies I’ve seen in years.
Once again, David Fincher is working with a top notch script (written by the same author of the novel). Dialogue is sharp and pointed, always falling into place and supplying a surprising amount of humor. There is a perfect balance between exposition and exhibition here. Nothing is spoon fed to the audiences and the mystery unravels naturally with the help of flashbacks and clever narration. Gone Girl has a lot to say about American media in particular, but also has interesting commentaries on keeping up appearances, marriage and deception.
It also helps that almost all of the casting in this movie is brilliant. If there is still anybody out there who thinks Ben Affleck isn’t talented, apparently they haven’t seen any movies in the last 5 years because he has officially become one of the most consistent and smart actors (and directors) in the business. However, the true standout here is Rosamund Pike as Amy. Her performance is truly amazing and strikes many different notes without once falling flat. Amy is an ever-evolving character and Pike’s performance is one that I think is worthy of many awards. The only performance I wasn’t fond of was Neil Patrick Harris’, who plays one of Amy’s ex-boyfriends. His conduct and appearance simply doesn’t fit the role he was given here in my opinion. Having said that, he isn’t terrible in the role (just out of place) and the rest of the acting is outstanding (even Tyler Perry is outstanding in this film!).
Also returning to work with Fincher on this film is Trent Reznor (of Nine Inch Nails) and Atticus Ross, who create the movie’s score. It’s worth bringing up because the score is an important part of this movie. It blends electronic soundscapes, distortion, melody and other various plays on sound and mood to create a very unique score. It’s almost impossible to ignore how the intensity and insanity of the music adds to make tense scenes even more tense and heightened realism to some of the romantic scenes. This fascinating score matched with Fincher and company’s usual perfection in framing shots, set design and mood make Gone Girl one of Fincher’s best movies in my opinion.
Gone Girl is not to be missed. It is darkly hilarious, incredibly unpredictable, gorgeous and truly engrossing cinema. Like I said at the beginning of this write-up, David Fincher’s movies are events rather that normal movies and this is no exception. Almost every last bit falls into place perfectly. My only real gripes are the choice of Neil Patrick Harris in the film and the final act which maybe runs 4 or 5 minutes too long. Without question, Gone Girl is one that must be seen. I can’t quite give it perfect marks, but it sure is close. I have a feeling that this one will age like a fine wine.
9/10
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