​FILMS

gone girl

Gone Girl (Drama/Thriller): 90 out of 100: Wow! This movie had me enthralled from start to finish. Even though it has a long running time, I didn't notice the time go by. I only checked my watch once (at the 90 minute mark) and the rest of the film just flew by. It has an interesting, engaging storyline with an excellent script, guided by the directorial flair of David Fincher, who rarely makes a bad movie.

If you don't know already know by now, "Gone Girl" has been based on the best selling novel from a couple of years ago. The author of this novel has also written the screenplay. Gillian Flynn shows that she is adept at adapting her own novel and avoids the traps of screenwriters not being able to do justice to the novel. I haven't read the novel but from the reviews I have read, she has done a splendid job and I just might have to read the novel now just to make my own comparison.

The story focuses on Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) who reports that his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) has gone missing. What follows is an excellent representation of trial by media. Even though there's flashbacks and time jumps, I was still engrossed as it was like putting the pieces together of a jigsaw. The story with its many twists and turns has been handled superbly by David Fincher. The story and the direction just have those 'wow' factors.

Although I started off not liking the way Pike acted due to her monotone delivery at the beginning, her acting grew on me as the film developed. She showcased her talents as the plot unraveled. Affleck has been harshly treated by the public in the past and in this movie, shows that he is extremely capable of delivering a knockout performance.

"Gone Girl" will be in my top 10 of 2014. It's a fantastic film on all levels from go to whoa. It's a multilayered film that becomes even more engaging, engrossing and enthralling as the plot develops with its exciting revelations and characterisations.

Starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris and Tyler Perry
(149 minutes)
Parental advice: Coarse language, violence, nudity, sex scenes, adult themes
Additional scene during or after credits: No
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esGn-xKFZdU (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Thursday 23rd October, 2014)