Review: ‘Gone Girl’ is a fascinating, disturbing look at marriage

Posted on October 17, 2014

By MARK VIOLA

Based on the best-selling book by Gillian Flynn, who adapted his own work for the movie, the premise behind “Gone Girl” feels like it could be ripped from the headlines. Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike, “Jack Reacher”), a former New York socialite who followed her husband to small-town Missouri, disappears on the morning of their fifth wedding anniversary.

Amy’s husband, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck, “Argo”) soon becomes the focus of the investigation based on his seemingly odd behavior following his wife’s disappearance, as well as a strange series of clues left behind by Amy as part of an anniversary scavenger hunt.
The story is told through both of their points of view. Nick’s is in the present, with periodic timers letting us know the number of days since Amy’s disappearance. Amy’s consists of excerpts from her diary, recounting her relationship with Nick beginning with the day they first met.

“Gone Girl” features some very strong performances from both Affleck and Pike, and it’s not surprising that both are already in the early Academy Award discussion. It’s hard to discuss the specifics of their portrayals without giving away details, so you’re just going to have to take my word on it.

This is definitely one that is going to play with your head, as the truths are revealed and you discover that behind a seemingly perfect marriage hides dark, dark secrets. I’ve never been happier to be single.

The film is rated R for a scene of bloody violence, some strong sexual content/nudity, and language.

(This is a shortened version of the full review available in our printed or e-edition papers.)

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