Once the opening title card came across the screen, and Ben Affleck made his first appearance in David Fincher’s “Gone Girl” I was sucked in a vortex for roughly two hours and twenty nine minutes, and I never wanted to move in inch, pluck a muscle, or deviate my eyes as to fear I might miss something.

Based on the novel from author, Gillian Floyd (also wrote the screenplay) which tells the story of Nick Dunne (Affleck) and the tragic disappearance of his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) the inspiration to her snobbish parents cash cow book series “Amazing Amy”. All signs point to Nick as the sole suspect, leaving the audience to ponder many array questions. The film escalades in sporting Fincher-esq style.

Right from the start David Fincher’s signature opening title card cues are spot-on. Most folks know this from his past endeavors; “Fight Club”, or “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”. This sets a tone, but heavily gears us in the correct direction.

A cosmic glow emulates throughout the picture, told through flashbacks, and a rather unsettling narrative. This allows Fincher to reveal the key plot points slowly, and unbiased. There is a mild distance to be had with the characters, and the well timed screenplay perfectly establishes the relationships, and we understand everything as it’s unraveling.

There is a rhythm to be had here. As should be expected from the “Zodiac” and “Sev7n” director. A man who knows how to build up suspense, and deliver a palpable twist along the way. The score helps set the tone as well. Helmed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, is easily the quintessence of the film’s core. Mainly because the audience can prepare for a major plot gap, a flashback sequence, or something out of the ordinary. The score perfectly complements the tone established early on. In scenes where no huge event was unfolding..the score was still there inching us along, and for that alone I’m eternally grateful. Expect an Oscar nomination in that department.

Told through explicit and detailed diary entries, that doesn’t steer away from graphic description of sex. Rosamund Pike steals entire scenes as the double minded Amy. Pike is riveting, and adds an extra layer to the already well written character. We, as the audience, are always guessing what may come next, the motives, and each time we are wrong (at least I was). No question is she a strong contender for the Best Actress category come award season. Fingers crossed.

While her counterpart Ben Affleck gives his best performance in years. Fincher truly knows how to get the most out of his performers. Affleck, who is grimaced most of the time, although, there is enough in tone and diction that makes him interesting enough to relate with. A down to earth husband that is ruthless, but not predictable.

The best part of “Gone Girl” though is how the events are revealed…through real time. The abrasive editing tactics help with this, adding a sort of hallucinatory factor to everything. I was encaptured multiple times, and this makes the lengthy two and half hour runtime, feel like 90. Add in the extra strength of a stellar supporting cast of; Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, and Emily Ratajkowski. All well placed and Floyd knows just how to utilize them.

Delving deeper into “Gone Girl” it’s clear the underlying effects of marriage, political ambitions, and economic depression. All heightened subtext in the film’s story gaps. Not to mention the HUGE influence media has on society. Never reading the book, I could pick up on all the sensitivity that Floyd felt was important to address.

There is always room for improvement most of the time, picking apart and dissecting this film is one thing. However, to go further would cause secrets to be unearthed. This is a spoiler free review. “Gone Girl” is one of the more relentless efforts so forth this year. It likely won’t win any “Best Picture” awards, as I feel this film is too dark for most Academy voters.

The sleazy backdrop that Fincher played up is something rarely ever seen, and Floyds intrepid screenplay is flawless and sets a darkly comic tone in the same vein of “Fight Club”. Head into this one with an open mind, be prepared, and expect many surprises.

A

By: Nate Adams

Directed By: David Fincher

Rated: R

Runtime: 149 mins

Release Date: October 3rd 2014

Studio: Fox

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