GONE GIRL
By: John ’Doc’ Strange
Directed by: David Fincher
Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Kim Dickens, Patrick Fugit, Carrie Coon, David Clennon
MPAA Rating: R (for a scene of bloody violence, some strong sexual content/nudity, and language)
Selig Rating: FULL PRICE
Runtime: 145 Min.
Gone Girl is from the mind of Gillian Flynn, author of both the novel and the screenplay. This allowed her to transform her written words into a movie about two writers who fall in love and what can happen when two brilliant writers have that love go stale.
Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) and Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) meet at a small party in New York City. Nick sees Amy and pursues her hard. Their relationship blossoms and they marry. Both of their careers take a downturn thanks to the country’s economic recession. When Nick’s mother is diagnosed with cancer, the two sell their NYC brownstone and move to his Midwest hometown to help take care of her.
On the morning of their 5th wedding anniversary, Nick is sent off by Amy with the request that he take time to really think about their marriage. He goes to his favorite place and ruminates about his life. Following this solitary time he heads into town to the bar that Amy bought for him and his twin sister, Margo (Carrie Coon).
A little later, as the siblings play the game of Life, a call comes in from a neighbor causing Nick to rush home. His front door is standing open and the cat is roaming around the front yard. Entering the house, Nick sees the disturbed furniture including the overturned broken glass-top coffee table and no Amy. Searching the house, calling her name loud enough for the neighbor to hear, Nick fails to locate Amy anywhere.
Calling the police to report the disappearance, Nick is soon the prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife. Evidence continues to pile up pointing to his guilt. Eventually, Nick is forced to turn to a power defense attorney, Tanner Bolt (Tyler Perry), though he continues to claim his innocence.
Gone Girl is one of the best whodunit’s I have seen in years. It has more twists and turns than a road through the Swiss Alps. Just when you think you know what the real story is, they slap you with new facts or new views of known information that alter the story over and over while staying true to the author’s vision. This is one POWERFUL story. Wow.
Movie Site: http://www.gonegirlmovie.com/
The Selig Rating Scale:
FULL PRICE – Excellent movie, well worth the price
MATINEE – Good movie
DOLLAR – OK movie
CABLE – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
FREEBIE – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn't paid for it.
COMMERCIAL TV – Commercials and cutting to the allotted time will not hurt this one.
FORGET IT! – Bad. If you see this one, do yourself a favor and keep it to yourself.
GET YOUR TORCHES – BAD! – Burn the script, the writer, the director and maybe even the actors!
