"Gone Girl" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'GONE GIRL': Five Stars (Out of Five)

Dark Comedy/Mystery Thriller flick directed by David Fincher and based on the 2012 book (of the same name) by Gillian Flynn; who also wrote the screenplay. It stars Ben Affleck; as a bar owner who becomes the center of a media circus, when he's suspected of killing his missing wife. The film costars Rosamund Pike (as the missing wife), Kim Dickens, Carrie Coon, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Patrick Fugit and Missi Pyle (doing an impressive Nancy Grace impersonation). I haven't read the book, so I can't make any comparisons, but the movie is a masterpiece!

Affleck plays Nick Dunne; the co-owner of a bar (cleverly titled 'The Bar') he owns with his sister Margo (Coon). Nick has been unhappily married, to Amy Elliott-Dunne (Pike), for sometime and on their fifth wedding anniversary he comes home to find their house ransacked and her missing. A media storm arises as an intense missing person search begins. Things become even more stressful (and nightmarish) when the police investigating the case, Detectives Rhonda Boney (Dickens) and Jim Gilpin (Fugit), consider Nick the prime suspect of his wife's disappearance (and likely her murder). The narrative begins to change, even more, as flashback scenes are revealed; from Amy's point of view.

I'm a big fan of David Fincher and this is definitely one of his better movies. It's not just his flawless stylized directing though, that makes the film work so well, there's also a great story too (like all of his work); filled with nonstop twists and incredibly clever dialogue. There's also an awesome score, once again by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (in their third collaboration with Fincher), and amazing acting. Affleck has never been better; I was already a huge fan of his but this movie should turn any haters out there (if not they're idiots). Pike also gives a mesmerizing, award worthy, performance and the supporting cast is impeccable. I couldn't possibly praise the film anymore! It is really dark and disturbing though, definitely not for everyone, and it kind of made me completely afraid of women (without giving away too much). You have to see this movie!