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Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Gone Girl



GONE GIRL (2014)
directed by David Fincher
[director filmography: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), The Social Network (2010), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), Zodiac (2007), Panic Room (2002), Fight Club (1999), The Game (1997), Se7en (1995), Alien 3 (1992)]

written by Gillian Flynn [based on her book]

starring Ben Affleck [you've probably heard of him], Rosamund Pike [Jack Reacher (2012), Pride & Prejudice (2005)], Neil Patrick Harris [TV series "How I Met Your Mother" and "Doogie Howser, M.D.'"], Tyler Perry [Madea in all the Madea Movies]

ENJOYMENT: **** (out of 5)
"Very entertaining"


In case you didn't already know, Gone Girl is a film about a man [Ben Affleck] accused of murdering his wife [Rosamund Pike]. Of course, to make things more interesting, the audience isn't sure if he did it. Even though we follow around the protagonist from the beginning of the film, there are points where we believe there is no way he could've hurt anyone, then places where it might be possible, and other moments where we just have to admit we have no idea what happened to her. Despite being a familiar plot--one that has been made and remade since the dawn of cinema--it is unlikely you could guess what ends up happening as the story unfolds. Both Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike deliver excellent performances that keep the audience guessing what is really going on, and they are supported by a brilliant and unlikely supporting cast that add to the entertainment value. Despite the originiality of the story, great acting and innovative filmmaking, Gone Girl is not quite a masterpiece. Still, it will entertain the hell out of you for two-plus hours and will likely remind you why you still want to go to the movies.

Gone Girl is another adaptation of a world-famous novel directed by David Fincher, and, similar to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, it is also another that is sure to please readers. As a film lover, when a best-selling novel emerges my personal philosophy is to wait for the movie so I don't spoil it. Therefore, because I heard there was a crazy twist in the book and I knew the masterful David Fincher was directing the film adaptation, I put off reading the book and was happy that I did. Gone Girl was pretty incredible to say the least and it was a crazy ride. The only thing that didn't quite sit well with me was how the story was told. There were some narrative aspects that were almost dream-like and the story jumped around in a way that killed the momentum for me and was a little scrambled to watch. Also, despite Rosamund Pike being great, I am still not convinced that she was the best for the role. I read that Reese Witherspoon was attached at one point and was filled with regret that she wasn't the lead. Other than these pieces though, Gone Girl is what I go to the movies for and is a great reminder that a thriller can still be both original and well made. 

OSCAR PREDICTIONS: Gone Girl will be nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Score and maybe Best Actress in a Leading Role for Rosamund Pike. David Fincher was nominated for Best Director at the Golden Globes, but I have the feeling that was a popularity vote and he will not be nominated for an Oscar. It will not win any of these awards.

Other ratings: IMDB (8.3/10, #114 on the Top 250), Rotten Tomatoes (88%) 

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