Gone Girl

Rating : 9/10
Release Date : 31st October, 2014
Time : 149 minutes
Director: David Fincher; Writer: Gillian Flynn, based on her own novel; Music : Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross
Starring : Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Carrie Coon, Kim Dickens, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Patrick Fugit, David Clennon, Lisa Banes, Missi Pyle, Emily Ratajkowski, Casey Wilson, Lola Kirke, Sela Ward



Deliciously devilish. Fiendishly clever. As beautifully twisted, with the façade of normalcy, as can be. Am going to struggle to write as I don’t want to give anything away, will simply say – just when you think you know whats happening, the movie takes an unexpected path once more !

Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike met 7 years ago. On the day of their fifth wedding anniversary, when things aren’t going that well between them, Rosamund goes missing. Soon most people are thinking Ben’s responsible. It doesn’t help that she is a mini-celebrity, the daughter of a famed writer, whose books were all about her amazing daughter’s childhood.

The best part of the movie is how various aspects, which colour your perception, are presented. The opening scene where Ben voices his thoughts while ruffling his wife’s hair. The police assistant, Patrick, who wants to arrest Ben from day one but his boss, Kim Dickens, is more circumspect, wants there to be no doubt before she moves in. The swift condemnation of the media, based on a couple of photographs. And, most telling of all, the compelling voice of Rosamund, as she continues to be missing, conveyed through her diary.

And its not just the unexpected turns but the refreshing idiosyncracies of the characters shown. Treasure hunts (with a hilarious suggestion involving the wood clue). Throwing gummy bears in preparation for an interview. Spitting into a drink as a minor form of revenge. A quick skip in the air, clicking the heels, when you realize your plan is working. The surprisingly genial, affable lawyer, Tyler Perry. The touching concern of the twin sister, wonderfully played by Carrie Coon, steadfastly standing by her brother, even when she finds out he’s been lying to her. And, just when you think you've planned it perfectly, trouble can be just next door...

The much lampooned Ben Affleck does a stellar job in his role – conflicted, troubled, sailing in what very much looks like a sinking ship but doing his damnedest to stay afloat. I last saw Rosamund in Jack Reacher, where she’d impressed in her role. She has this Cate Blanchett-like statuesque quality, an ability to stand out, no matter the circumstances, to seem intensely private, a bit superior to others irrespective of her surrounding. And she nails this role with everything she’s got !

If you think your marriage is rough, you should see this film. If you think your spouse is tough to be with, you should see this film. And be reminded of how much worse it could be. There could also be a strong case made, for an injunction against the movie, for giving inspiration to vengeance seeking spouses. For no one would want to be in a relationship like Ben and Rosamund…