Gone Girl (Film Review)

The film opens with Nick Dunne patting Amy's hair gently, we then hear his thoughts: "What are you thinking?" and following the plan of blowing her brains out so that he can at least know what's inside her head. It is mysterious, unsettling yet there's a sense of sweetness, yet the prospect of hate and agony behind it. The first scene perfectly illustrates how this film will continue to roll until the next 135 minutes, or more. 'Gone Girl' delves deep in the darker layer of love. And to say the least, the start of thousands of signed divorce papers of couples after viewing the movie.

David Fincher continues to transport his audience to his twisted brain. The plot of 'Gone Girl' is one of the most perfect story for this guy, since this is a hell-of a twisted movie. His dark-themed trademark was stamped about everywhere in this movie. Be it the amazing score by his go-to collaborators Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor, or just the fact there is something haunting about marriage. Fincher easily directed the movie, flows thoroughly in 2 1/2 hours that you wish for more. The guy knows how to knock it's viewers doors, get their attention, and get them to the worst experience in their life, in a good way.

As the previews described it: Nick Dunne, a bar owner goes home to see his wife, Amy, missing. Detectives are hired, but when they saw small pieces of evidence that potentially cause the disappearance, all heads are turned into Nick. The case made him an instant celebrity, with the mass public asking only one question: "Did he actually killed his wife?"

Writer Gillian Flynn's irresistible three-act novel the film is based on became a sensation by the time it was shelved on bookstores in 2012. Part of it that made it so unique and very rich was the back-and-forth of the spouses' perspective. Nick, dubbed as the "primary suspect" after his Amy vanishes, is living in hell when the media and detectives are in complete frenzy on him. Amy, on the other hand, is the "cool girl", the victim of the event, looks to be the one to lend your hands on. But there's something suspicious about her, a reason that force Nick to possibly "kill" her.

The viewers didn't at least know which one to choose,-- the husband or the wife? Both sides have their points. Both sides have something for you to angst for, to the fact where it is confusing. That's where the film became clever. And wherein it find its tension. Add to that the multiple subplots of media scrutinizing Nick, and ironically with Ben Affleck portraying him.

Speaking of Ben Affleck, the reason why he excels and delivered his greatest performance in his career is because it fits him so well. His bulky-guy physique and the amounts of hate he experienced by the press during the early 2000's suits perfectly in Nick Dunne. Could another series of award nomination arrive for him? -- well I think so, but one slot for the Best Actress category has been filled very early by Rosamund Pike (playing Amy in the movie.). Pike was fearless, relentless and ballsy in the film. What a complete surprise, considering about everyone was also ripping her apart because of her acting in "Jack Reacher" last year. But what's important was she earned everyone's respect.

Another set of actors that took the steals in this movie: Carrie Coon, Affleck's twin sister in the movie, and wait for it-- Tyler Perry who is amazing in this. This is probably the only time I liked Tyler Perry in a film (Not another drag suit again Tyler.).

Though the movie was very long, it felt rushed. Rushed to the point where all minutes felt so important with the story. It doesn't skip a beat, with the film giving punch-over-punch in the gut twists and surprises. The editing by Kirk Baxter was so intense wherein once the end credits rolled, everyone at the cinema rushed to the nearest comfort room to pee. The movie was so great that a viewer tried to hold it's pee in, especially with this running time, not only to miss one second of it.

Perhaps the only gripe I have with this movie was Neil Patrick Harris' character, whom I thought felt miscast in this film as "the creepy stalker/ ex-boyfriend". Not really a big issue, but still nice to see him on a different role. Other than that, the movie was near perfect.

You cannot finish reviewing about this movie without talking about the third act. Which a lot are hitting as "the weakest part of the novel". There are some changes of the transfer from book-to-film with the third act, and I was pretty contended with the results. It was very heartfelt and bittersweet, and with the inclusion of what I thought is the "most emotional shower scene ever put on film", I thought to myself: Fincher has given the best movie about marriage.

The geek rates it a 10/10.

'Gone Girl' opens this Wednesday, October 8 from 20th Century Fox!