Gone Girl (film); a review (no spoilers)

For the BOOK review (no spoilers) click here!

Add Gone Girl (the film) to the list of films I find it really hard to discuss; because of how hard it is to talk about without going into specifics but also because even after one viewing; I felt numb and my mind was hazy on what I had just watched. Honestly. Usually I’m a hyper 14 year old after a movie and I’m a million miles an hour talking like a Gilmore Girl! But wow. Gillian Flynn and David Fincher. What a partnership..
That being said, a second viewing really did the trick for me and I felt clearer (in the head) and I was able to step outside of the normal ‘immerse myself in a movie’ in order to see what Fincher was setting out to do.

I think that this movie is despite what I just said above in all that vagueness; all about what lies beneath the surface. What lies beneath the veneer of social media, and photography that can capture a particular moment in time without context.
Everyone has probably said over and over again that certain movies with any level of intrigue requires you to stay away from all forms of media where you may see spoilers. This also includes the book. I know that may make you think there’s a ‘He was dead the whole time!’ level of spoiler here (nod to the Sixth Sense) but it goes beyond that, I promise you.

Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike as Nick and Amy Dunne are not the most likeable protagonists here; they really aren’t. In their dreamy courtship and flirtations, you know that it is the best version of themselves. Everyone is their better selves in those early days, right? Then, as the recession and family pressures mount, the perfect chemistry begins to fade.

Then Amy goes missing.

And this is where I refrain from telling you more about the specifics in regards to the plotline or the rollercoaster you’ll ride from watching this film.

In regards to the supporting cast; Carrie Coon as the twin sister of Nick is wondrous. She really is the voice of the audience. The relatable one to question all of the things happening to them as day by day passes in Amy’s disappearance. The way they talk easily together and protect each other isn’t a sugary twin sibling thing where its written as if all siblings have an easy relationship. They don’t, you can see they tiff, and annoy each other, and banter. Its natural. Tyler Perry is everyone’s surprise I think as celebrity defense lawyer Tanner Bolt because he has been dressing up as an old lady for a few films (none of which I’ve seen) but I quite enjoyed him in this role and he had a fantastic charisma and presence that the role needed.

For me, Neil Patrick Harris as former boyfriend of Amy was just, not quite right. I mean that in terms of his performance and in relation to how I read his character in the book and I don’t think he was quite right. I can’t say why because that in itself would be a spoiler..
This is such a hard film; its almost depressing, and harrowing to watch; even though it plays as a satire on the superficial society we’ve become. Its one that will linger long after you watch it because it really does make you think about how much you know people; close friends, family, or celebrity based on what you see; and its so original in its delivery and execution, how can it not be brilliant?

Have you seen the movie, and want my full spoilery review? Please let me know!