In my opinion, one of the strongest credits a director can boast is having tried different genres in all of his filmography, but never lose his signature flair or style in the process. One of the most revered directors working in Hollywood today, David Fincher, undoubtedly carries that credit to his name. From the dark comedy/drama "Fight Club" to the mystery thriller "Zodiac", he has ventured in quite a number of genres, while also have his own style fused into it. I guess it should come as no surprise that his 2014 thriller "Gone Girl", today's movie in discussion, is another strong entry from the auteur director.
Gone Girl follows Nick Dunne as his wife disappears suddenly on the day of their fifth anniversary. While in the search, the media slowly focus their suspicion and scrutiny on Nick and he must rescue his wife and prove his innocence in this tense, heart-pounding thriller. It is based on Gillian Flynn's novel of the same name.
Just like Fincher's other films, Gone Girl also houses more secrets than the shallow surface level. There's really very small room you are given to breathe at the get-go and Fincher takes you on this ravenously progressive story, leaving hints and cues here and there, with very small indications, secrets scattered throughout the frame, that requires the audience's full attention to swiftly follow along the story.
And this is what I love about this film. It respects the audience to let them pay attention and find out things on their own and not treat them dumb and spoon-feed them exposition like a page read. It's suspenseful, it has a balanced pacing, everything is carefully placed with attention down to the minuscule level.
Another aspect the movie rigorously explores is the media's hold on the cycle of things and how they have power to divert people's attention and rage to whatever subject they desire. It's a most powerful and a scary thing as shown in the movie how the media likes to direct their scrutiny and magnifying glass on Nick. Other than the handful of information you are given at the get-go, you have no choice but to sympathize for him. And the whole ordeal really makes you root for Nick and keeps you on the edge making you want Nick to get out of the other side of this problematic tunnel safely. There's another aspect I would touch on about the story, but that would mean spoiling a good chunk of the movie. So, maybe a subject of discussion for another time?
The cast itself is a powerhouse of talented actors. Ben Affleck plays the constantly-under-trouble husband Nick Dunne, with supporting actors Rosamund Pike, Carrie Coon, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Emily Rajatkowski, Kim Dickens, Patrick Fugit and more. Everyone did their part excellently and exceptionally. Every character has their own depth, motives, emotes played nonchalantly by their respective actors and actresses. Especially Rosamund Pike, who plays the missing wife, Amy Dunne. Seriously, her performance was phenomenal. I was blown away by the range Pike showed here. And also Ben Affleck, he really, really manages to make the audience feel for Nick. There's no doubt that Ben is one of the most talented actors working today. Tyler Perry also plays the decisive, calculative lawyer Tanner Bolt. Amazing performances all around. Mostly. Here's a gripe I have: As much as I love Neil Patrick Harris, I feel like he was miscast in this movie. Don't get me wrong, he did amazing, I understood his character, but somehow, he didn't feel right. Maybe some other actor would have been fit for the character NPH played here.
Trent Reznor and Atticus Rose return to work with Fincher yet again, and this time they went all out on this movie. Their soundtrack, while minimal and sparsely present, created the atmosphere and mood of intrigue and tension this movie so proudly boasts. The tense scenes are ratcheted to a new level of nail-biting unease with their phenomenal score. It is definitely one of the more underrated aspects of the movie.
Speaking of underrated aspects, one such is the movie's marketing. Throughout the few trailers that were put out, very little was conveyed and somehow they managed to reveal just enough to pique the audience's intrigue, while keeping the bigger surprises unmarred. A problem a lot of movie trailers nowadays suffer from. The marketing team masterfully spliced together just the right amount of flavor to keep the audience in the dark about how big of an astonishment the movie holds under its surface.
If intrigue and surprise and tension isn't your jam, however, (I don't know why you would watch this movie if they aren't), the movie is gorgeous to look at. This movie is shot beautifully. It flamed a sense of joy in me, I know it sounds strange, that I can't quite explain. Just looking at this movie, its beautiful frames, blew me away. I was astonished at how beautiful this movie looks. Fincher and cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth did a fantastic job on the cinematography. I can't explain in words the visual flair this movie boasts, it's simply genius.
David Fincher hit yet another home run with Gone Girl. It's easily one of his best, and in my opinion, his best work yet. Fincher's talent shines throughout the whole movie. It's a treat for those who watch movies with utmost attention and intrigue. I can't recommend this movie enough. Seriously, Fincher struck gold with this. Gone Girl remains one of my favorite movies of all time.