#REVIEW: “GONE GIRL”

Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong

After much anticipation, these release of Gone Girl tells us with certainty, it’s Awards Season. David Fincher’s new Masterpiece is the byproduct of a beloved Book by the same name by former Entertainment Weekly Writer, Gillian Flynn. It’s a Murder Mystery; a new-age Film Noir with more twists than a line-up for a McDonald’s Cone on hot summer afternoon.

The Film stars a do-no-wrong Ben Affleck. He plays Nick Dunne, a hapless Husband who finds his Wife missing on the day of their fifth wedding anniversary. The Couple, struggling Writers, leave behind their New York City lifestyle to a small Town in Missouri, heightening tensions between them. Like dominoes, that mystery leads to another… and another.

What will be said concerns the Cast first and foremost. Affleck is excellent! His ability to guide the Viewer through the idiosyncrasies of the Script and its unreliable narrative are to be commended. However, it is Rosamund Pike and her portrayal of his believed to be dead Wife (Amy Dunne) that will likely snag an Oscar nomination – at long last. The talent always has been there. She plays a Character far more nuanced. Subtle with every step she puts together a performance that evokes every manner of emotion out of the Audience.

The Leads aside, let us not forget the Supporting Cast. Carrie Coon of The Leftovers fame plays Nick’s on-edge Twin Sister Margo and arguably is the heart of the Film. And then there’s Tyler Perry, a rather surprising casting decision, who really shows his chops as Nick‘s Lawyer Tanner Bolt in this Thriller. Kim Dickens, who is best known for her work on HBO’s Treme. Kim plays the witty and insightful Investigating Officer Rhonda Boney. And rounding-out the eclectic Ensemble is a just off Broadway Neil Patrick Harris as uncomfortable Wallflower and former Flame of Amy, Desi Collings.

Fincher delivers on every level not only visually but also sonically, reuniting with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The composing Duo yet again manage to mesmerize with a phenomenal Score – its haunting yet beautiful vibrations build into a terrifying rumble. The accolades pile like the Plot twists, proving that this is not just another night out. It’s a night to remember, and one you will never, ever forget.

20th Century Fox release GONE GIRL on Friday, October 3, 2014.