David Fincher's highly anticipated picture begins with Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) slowly stroking the back of his wife's (Rosamond Pike) head, wishing he could crack open her skull, and seek for the answer to perhaps the most asked question in marriage, "What are you thinking?". And post these opening lines, what unfolds is a unrelenting triumph that attacks the basic constructs of relationships, whilst simultaneously challenging the nature of the media.Gone Girl is a spectacular amalgamation of Gillian Flynn's excellent story (the author pens the screenplay, which explains how it is such an accurate portrayal), and Fincher's expert direction. For someone who had read the novel going into the picture my level of expectation was high, but not only did film meet my high standards, I was blown away by how well the director and screenwriter handled the transition from book to novel.
It is clear for all to see that Fincher is on top form with this film. Gone Girl seems to blend the directors iconic artistic grit with a playful scorn effortless, a trait that seemed to be missing from 2011's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. What actually surprised me was how funny Gone Girl is. This picture packs some top notch laughs for a film that centres around a incriminating mystery. This humour was mainly created by the performances of Carrie Coon who plays Nick's twin sister and Tyler Perry who portrays the typical charismatic lawyer. Both act as great comedic relief and it is perhaps the perfect timing of their comments that is most effective, as every joke seems woven into moments at which it will not distract from the weight of a situation. This sheer entertainment value reminds me of Fincher's work on Fight Club, and how the director blissfully juggled both satire and heft to excellent results.
Similar to his direction in 2010's Social Network Fincher shows us that he is both adept in handling a narrative that spans many time frames as a result of the flashback structure of the picture. Identically to Flynn's novel the book utilises Amy Dunne's diary entries to provide insight into her's and Nick's past. The seamless transitions, and the perfect timing ensures that each time loop effectively follows on from the previous but also add weight to the next scene. Obviously we have to credit Flynn again as it is her wonderful screenplay, but Fincher is certainly working his story telling magic to allow the narrative to be both traceable and effective.
However, the greatest asset the picture possess is the casting of Ben Affleck and especially Rosamond Pike. Firstly, lets address the future caped crusader himself. In a role that can easily verge upon alienating and dull, Affleck masterfully wields likeability so naturally that you can help but really feel for this man. But, what reveals Affleck's truly masterful acting capability is that in certain moments, as the narrative progresses, he dials down that likeability and inserts rage so subtly that the audience can't help but suspect him. It is truly an intelligent performance and underlines that Aflleck is, not only a notable director, but also an actor capable of leading a picture.
Despite this it is Rosamond Pike who truly overshadows her acting counterparts. Honestly, this is the best acting performance of the year so far and all I can say is to fully appreciate it don't read about it experience it in cinemas, because Pike alone is worth the entry fee. This is an academy award worthy performance with a nomination a certainty in my eyes.
It is certainly easy to label Gone Girl as an academy award contender, and that is for the simple fact it is one. This picture in my eyes is the strongest film of 2014, and will be in the hunt for the best picture as well as best adapted screen play and best actress for Pike. This is a unmissable film, that needs to be watched at all costs, I can't do this film justice without spoiling it for you guys, so therefore I shall leave it in your more that capable hands to enjoy Gone Girl.
My Rating: 9.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
IMDB: 8.6/10
Did You Know: Ben Affleck and Nick Dunne were born on the same day August 15th
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