Ben Affleck stars in “Gone Girl,” a mystery novel turned motion picture that was released in theaters Oct. 3.
As one of the most anticipated movies to hit theaters this year, the film “Gone Girl” does not disappoint. With an amazing cast and great direction by David Fincher, the same man who gave us such films as “Se7en” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” this film is getting a lot of acclaim, and it deserves all of it.
On the evening of their fifth anniversary, Nick Dunne reports to the police that his wife, Amy, has gone missing. With an intense and determined search soon underway, Nick becomes the focus of a media frenzy and finds himself the lead suspect in his wife’s case. As the stress of everyone questioning his moves and motives starts to get to him, the portrait of Nick and Amy’s blissful union begins to crumble to pieces. Soon Nick’s deceits and strange behaviors are called into question as he is asked the most direct question he has ever faced in his life: did he kill his wife?
“Gone Girl” stars Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Carrie Coon, Kim Dickens, Patrick Fugit and David Clennon. Fincher directed the film with a screenplay by Gillian Flynn, who wrote the novel the film is based on.
Ben Affleck has been the subject of additional attention because of his casting as Batman in the forthcoming 2016 film, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” With that being said, Affleck is unrecognizable in this film. He completely detaches himself from the image we all see both morally and even more so emotionally. With his performance in this film and others like “Argo” and “The Town,” this man will have no issues getting another Oscar in the near future.
On the other hand, Affleck’s on-screen bride, Pike, does not play your typical naive and vulnerable wife. Pike gives just as much of herself as Affleck does in this film.
Besides the two wonderful leads, this film has one of the best supporting casts I have ever seen. From the creepy, rich ex-boyfriend played by Harris to the role of Affleck’s loving twin sister, Margo, played by Coon, all of these roles are phenomenally played. If not for these supporting members, I do not know if Affleck and Pike would have shined as brightly as they did.
While I believe this is not the darkest film that Fincher has directed, it is definitely a thrilling mystery that he can add to his already impressive repertoire of intense films.
Fincher teamed up once again with his musical cohorts, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who outdo themselves once again with a beautiful score that helps drive the mystery.
As far as the story goes, one of the first things I was impressed with in this film was that you did not have to read the book, even though it is a great novel, to find yourself immersed in the story. This film will surprise you and it will implore you to try and solve the mystery.
Story by John Gruccio, Contributing writer