Film Filter: Off - Gone Girl

Gone Girl  (2014) R

Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris

Film Filter: On When Nick Dunne's wife mysteriously disappears, he is instantly in the public eye as the authorities search for her.  As the days continue, public scrutiny falls on Nick, as it seems more plausible each day that he is in some way responsible for Amy's disappearance.  As Nick tries to figure out how to stay out of the limelight, and how to keep the police and civilians off his back, he struggles to find out what actually happened to his wife.

Things to note: Interesting cinematography that keeps you interested, edgy soundtrack during the film that helps the plot feel more unsettled, outstanding performance by Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck definitely delivers a solid performance as well, story pacing is appropriate and doesn't reveal too much too soon, lots of plot twists and unpredictable shifts in the story.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Psychological murder mysteries like All Good Things, or Gothika

Film Filter: Off-  I had heard so much about this film and its expectations for me were very high.  Did this film meet them?  Read on to find out…

Pros- Firstly, the beginning half of the movie was brilliantly played out, as it kept flashing back to Amy's journal writing and the moments that were referred to within it.  It definitely portrayed the two leading characters in a very clear light from the get-go, which made the entire front half of the movie work well.  The audience is given a lot of the information they need to make character assumptions, but there are so many details missing that (even though it's pretty clear what's going on) it's still fun to watch and figure out alongside the characters.

Right about halfway through the movie, if not sooner, there is an epic plot twist that makes you rethink your whole perception of the movie, and the characters within it.  Even though you- if you're like me- are still hanging on to some hope that your gut instinct about the characters may still be accurate, the movie has now taken you in a completely different direction.  I liked Ms. Pike's performance up until this point, quite a bit actually, but what unfolds after this point makes me LOVE her.

While the diabolical wheels are turning in the plot, the audience yet again gets a very comfortable feeling, as the new direction of the film seems pretty straightforward and steady.  Yet again, more twists and turns in the plot lead the story to different situations that I would have never guessed, putting a lot of the characters in sticky situations, or in harm's way.

The ending of the film is unpredictable, and utterly frustrating, but also very well done.  You can't help but get emotionally invested in what's happening, and there's no real way to refute the logic as to why the movie ends the way it does, even if you don't want it to.

The performances by all actors in the film were believable, and top notch, but I think the filmmakers did a fantastic job selecting the two main characters.  Just about everything about it is well executed, and followed a plan, so nothing felt arbitrary.  The music accompanying scenes was mysterious, vague, and wildly appropriate, and the camera angles and shots in some of the grittier scenes made the whole package come together.  It was, overall, a very well told story with a great plot.

Cons- I don't really have any.  This movie felt raw, believable, and unique and I don't think I'd change anything about it.

Wrap up:  Despite the fact that this film has been mercilessly hyped, I think it lives up to it.  The performances by the leading actors and the plot twists alone (if you haven't read the book, that is) are enough reason to watch it, in my opinion.  It's a long film, yes, but for good reason, and although I haven't yet read the book, I would be shocked if this adaptation didn't do it justice.