"Gone Girl" a film by David Fincher based
on the novel by Gillian Flynn. Actors/ Actresses included:Ben Affleck, Rosamunk Pike, Tyler Perry, Neil Patrick Harris, Carrie Coon, and Kim Dickens to name a few.
I decided to review "Gone Girl" after I
saw its movie trailer during the previews of another film. I saw this film with
my boyfriend and some family members. It was their second viewing of this film.
“Gone Girl” caught my
attention because I have enjoyed previous films directed by David Fincher. It
sounded like a good plot and I was interested to learn that it was based on a
novel by Gillian Flynn.
Gillian Flynn is an American author and former writer/ TV critic for the Entertainment Weekly. She has published a total of three books including “Gone Girl”. She has also wrote scripts for “Utopia” (a prior blog posting of mine earlier this semester) and is currently working David Fincher (again) on HBO series.
Gillian Flynn is an American author and former writer/ TV critic for the Entertainment Weekly. She has published a total of three books including “Gone Girl”. She has also wrote scripts for “Utopia” (a prior blog posting of mine earlier this semester) and is currently working David Fincher (again) on HBO series.
“Se7en”,"The
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (neo-noir genre) were both movies I enjoyed
watching, so I was curious to see how this film would compare.David Fincher is a not only a director and visual
artist, but he also regularly directs films based on books. Such Fincher films
based on books include "Se7en", "Fight Club", "The
Curious Case of Benjamin Button", and "The Girl with the Dragon
Tattoo". Previous to that Fincher had directed music videos. Also, Ben
Affleck has been successful as a director in his own right with "Gone,
Baby, Gone", "The Town" and "Argo".
Although I wasn't aware of any big press coverage in
the news, except for Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails front man) concerning his
composing of the film score in the Eugene Weekly, I felt it would be worth
watching.
Reznor is an important element in creating the signature
dirty, gritty, grimy, feel in many of the stories Fincher chooses to make.
"Gone Girl" explores a couple's marriage
after they suffered the effects of the recent "Great Recession". The
film begins with how the couple meet, how their marriage progresses, evolves,
and how it eventually decays. Rosamund Pike's character, Amy, goes missing and
all fingers point to Ben Affleck's character as their prime suspect.
The film begins with Affleck
standing at the edge of his driveway, in his Missouri suburban American Dream
neighborhood. Many of the homes have "For Sale" signs, giving us a
time frame. This is not too long after the "Great Recession" which we
learn in back story presented by the characters. This "Great
Recession" is a theme that penetrates throughout the story.The film is good at keeping you at the edge of your seat. It's a good movie that held my interest from start to finish. Just when you think you know something another element is revealed and causes you to consider another side of something still unknown. The weaknesses of the story could be that some people might find the film offensive and unbelievable. There were themes in this movie that touched on a vibe that is prevalent in American today. Some offensive messages are subtle touching on the inequality between the homeless and overly rich, by falsely accusing someone of rape or murder based on their social status.
"Gone Girl" is similar to other Fincher
films in that there are often elements of damaged characters in a depressing,
seemingly hopeless world. The characters struggle to find peace and often
suffer tragic endings. For example, in "Se7en", the film ends in
utter tragedy when a detective learns that the psychopath he's been searching
for has decapitated his wife.
It's a little different from much of Fincher's other
work in that it's a little lighter than his other stuff, like "The Girl
with the Dragon Tattoo", which is largely tragic and dark. Compared to
those two films, "Gone Girl" feels like it has quite a bit more
comedy (dark humor) and is much less violent-- well, except for one
scene.
What I find important about "Gone Girl" is that it's a reflection on marriage. It's a story with themes of trust, love, and what it takes to keep a relationship alive, (perhaps by killing someone), and what it means to be committed. All this reins true in the current American culture. Tolerance of cheating, which seems like the norm in today’s society, if people take responsibility, or if they apologize on TV, then it’s OK. People are also guilty until proven innocent on TV (like on Nancy Grace). No different from the Salem Witch Trials.
The target audience can be young people who are just
starting to experience relationships and more advanced couples who might have
been married for numerous years. It's an over-the-top story about
relationships.
Stereo types could be that the men are always
accused of violence on women or the perpetrator. Media always has an influence
on people's opinion of the guilt or innocence of someone accused of a crime.
I don't think this is the best film that David Fincher has made. Both "Fight Club" and "Se7en" were better in my opinion. They were more edgy and realistic featuring the stuff that cult classics are made of. It doesn't fall below his usual standards, but it's a little tamer compared to his other work, given its subject matter of marriage.I know it’s a memorable movie because I heard people saying that they would watch this flick numerous times, like my family members did. Plus it's a highly successful novel that is a best seller, which will attract loyal followers.
After seeing this film, I would actually go out and
buy this book and see how it compares. I liked the storyline and would be
curious to see the similarities between the film and book.
Rated A: by fellow worker at Entertainment Weekly- Chris Nashawaty
David Fincher tackles a marriage made in hell in the hot-button take on Gillian Flynn's Bestseller thriller-Peter Travers
http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/gone-girl-20140923#ixzz3F5hW3Fk9
David Fincher's Portrait on a Marriage - Richard Brody
"Gone Girl" tops box office for second time.
I learned that a review can really encourage a
person to think of all the different elements and themes of a story. It tells
of current events in American culture to social influences, artistic choices,
and its cultural impact.
It was interesting to review "Gone Girl"
particularly because this story was a collaboration between an author and
director. Often time’s novels either don't easily translate to film or there is
some conflict between the director and author in terms of artistic direction.
But I found that this film seemed to get it right, perhaps due to two artists
working so closely together, where they compromise,( Flynn wrote both the novel
and screen play) much like what it takes
to make a marriage work.
“Gone Girl”
had great acting was well directed and the concept was good. It was fun to see
this kind of relationship story.
The first sentence.
Ends with the first sentence. The first sentence in a novel is often claimed to
be the most important sentence in the book. How well do we really know someone?
How close can you really get to the closest person you will know in your life?
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