Gone Girl

‘Gone Girl’ is a riveting ride

Sunday October 12, 2014 | By:Tony Baksa |

You know summer at the movies is over when films such as “Gone Girl” hit the big screen. All the superheroes and space zombies have been tucked away until next summer, to make room for smart, intelligent and complex fare.

Like the classic movies of directors such as Otto Preminger, Alfred Hitchcock and William Wyler, David Fincher’s “Gone Girl” grabs hold of its viewers and never lets go. Even the surprise ending keeps its tight grip right to the very end.

The screenplay by Gillian Flynn, based on her novel by the same name, is full of twists and turns that are riveting. Director Fincher (“The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” and “The Social Network”) handles it all with a momentum that is so thrilling.

Watching this movie is akin to curling up with a great mystery novel on a chilly winter evening and not looking up until the final page is turned.

The unbelievable revelations throughout “Gone Girl” are made palatable by the sincere and committed performances of its superb cast. Headed by Ben Affleck with Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris as you have never seen him, the wonderful Kim Dickens and a host of entertaining cameos by Sela Ward, Tyler Perry and Missi Pyle as a Nancy Grace clone, there is not a boring moment to be had.

The story begins with two very attractive and charming people who “meet cute” at a party. You think you know the rest of this story already.

They fall in love, marry and live an idyllic life – or so it seems. Nick (Affleck) and Amy (Pike) have it all and would be the envy of anyone. After five years of wedded bliss, Amy goes missing. Her disappearance catches the eye of the media and the frenzy begins. Loving and devoted Nick is put front and center in this three-ring circus and eventually falls under suspicion for possibly murdering Amy. She is nowhere to be found and, based on incriminating behavior by Nick, the police and the media – even Amy’s parents – become convinced that this perfect husband isn’t all that he seemed.

This is just the beginning and what ensues is anything but clichéd. Outrageous surprises and plot turns will keep you glued to the screen. Anything more said will serve as a large heap of spoilers.

This is a masterwork by director Fincher and his cast. Affleck is so good in this movie. His naturalistic, low-key style matched with his commanding screen presence is perfect for a character that may or may not be a scoundrel. I am not familiar with Pike. After this film, I believe we will see much more of her in future movies. This is a star -making performance. I’d also like to single out Kim Dickens as the investigating detective. Her breezy, no-nonsense characterization is terrific and adds an amusing note to the serious proceedings.

I believe readers of Flynn’s popular book will not be disappointed. It was a very smart idea to have Flynn write the screenplay. I’m thinking she got it right.

Whether book or movie, “Gone Girl” is to be applauded as an exciting and satisfying entertainment rich in physiological thrills and chills.

“Gone Girl” is currently in theaters.

http://www.thesunnews.net/news/189-'Gone_Girl_is_a__riveting_ride.html