It's been a while since I've been to the movies. Mid-semester break came by and the only thing I actually got to watch was Lucy... Let's not talk about that wreck. The weeks went by and I found myself too busy with university and sports to actually chill out at the theatres. However, I'm happy that my return to the cinemas had me sitting in on this beautiful film by David Fincher. Gone Girl is one of the best movies I've seen in a long while. This is a good film. It's not the fun, popcorn shovelling, night out with the gang sort of good, but more like the theme, mood, character, acting, plot, pacing, directing, academy-award level analysis sort of good. Not only does the story contain many twists and turns that leave you guessing till the end (I'm sorry if you counted that comment as a spoiler), but the twisted nature of the characters and themes will leave you evaluating humanity during the credits. This is my review of Gone Girl.
"Nick Dunne, you're probably the most hated man in America right now. Did you kill your wife, Nick?"
A Brief Overview
On his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) reports that his wife, Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike), is missing. Due to the minor fame of his wife, Nick's case gets the attention of the media as well as the police. With the police, the media, and the people backing him up, this would be an easy case to solve. However, that is not the case as all the shady evidence and circumstances start to converge on the simple but chilling possibility that Nick killed his own wife. The perspective of the film would have you thinking that Nick is innocent, but then again all the evidence works against him. It'll have you polarised as you decide whether you are for or against his case. Are you on Nick's side, or Amy's side?
My Thoughts
Performance - Oscars Anybody?
Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck could very well get oscars for their performances in this film. Personally I don't think either will get the actual award, but they'll definitely get nominated. Affleck's character isn't meant to be outstanding; he doesn't command the screen, but instead he gives us something tangible. Nick Dunne becomes so real that we treat the severity of the allegations against him with real life criticism. I became so engrossed in his case that I couldn't stand the idea that he might not have a happy ending. The only thing that could ever put any doubt in my support for Nick would have been his wife's story.
Through various flashbacks and sequences Rosamund Pike tells the story of Amy Dunne. She's the innocent wife that's terrified of her husband. Pike definitely outshines her counterpart. However, a good actress would make you think that Affleck definitely killed her. The great performance by Pike makes us think twice about whether he did the deed. She's got just enough sweet to go with just enough crazy to twist your opinion from her side to Affleck's and back again. When you're done with this film you will either love her deeply, or hate her completely. Regardless of whether you hate her, like I did, you will still admit that she did an academy-award-winning job at making you hate her.
This film comes out at about two and a half hours, but it shouldn't feel like that. The pacing between every nugget of information keeps you clawing for more and more gratification. As you begin to close a door of possibility another one opens up with a juicy treat to keep you hooked. The film does progress rather slowly, but the main plot points are laid out in perfect intervals so as to keep us from falling asleep. No, it doesn't just prevent you from sleeping; it keeps you shovelling more popcorn down your throat as you thoroughly enjoy the thriller-drama vibe it gives off. It doesn't just keep going on either; when the plot is meant to conclude, the film ends. You get your exposition, story, and ending. Its simplicity and conciseness leaves us nothing short of satisfied.
Themes and Meta For Thought
I didn't really pick up on all the various metaphors and underlying themes going through the film, but my astute brother would not stop raving about all the symbols and references that tied the film together thematically. All I got from my initial viewing was that the world is full of twisted people, and sometimes it is hard to see the truth amongst the muck. However, this film goes deeper into that twisted abyss, and if you have a good eye for these things then you will love Gone Girl even more.
My Score: 4/5
David Fincher you genius. I can only imagine what the book must have been like, but his adaptation to the big screen leaves me very impressed. In terms of film making and acting, I'd give Gone Girl a perfect ten. However, I did not like how the story turned out. This doesn't mean I didn't like how the twists and dynamics unfolded, because they did so perfectly, but I didn't like the story in itself. I will not see this movie again, because I will come out of it feeling miserable just like I did the first time. This movie is truly twisted, and it takes a certain kind of serenity to enjoy its perfection. You should definitely watch it.
What about you? Did you love Gone Girl? Do you disagree with any of my comments? Who's side were you on? Let me know in the comments!
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