"Gone Girl is a compelling picture with an impeccable pacing, and features superb performances overall."

Rating: 8/10 (4 June 2016)

I cannot say that I do not have a remote knowledge of David Fincher's filmography. Out of his ten feature films, I have only witnessed four (Se7en, Fight Club, The Social Network and Gone Girl). And I have only seen them once (except Gone Girl) for each. David Fincher is so well tied-up with making movies that anchored to a distinct visual kind and malignant dark themes. His "The Social Network", which is largely a biopic, is also dark in its story. "Gone Girl" is obviously without exception; his signature movie-making style retains, but this time falls through within the strife of a married couple.
On their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) returns home only to discover that his wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), goes missing. Her disappearance attracts strong press coverage; and after days of investigation by the police, they discover pieces of evidences which only conclude that Amy is murdered. Financial problems and signs of Nick being the abusive husband lead to him being the prime suspect of Amy's murder, although he constantly denies any wrongdoings. But what could have had happened to Amy? Murdered? Kidnapped? "Gone Girl" broaches the unexpected. It rarely allows us to expect what is coming.
"Gone Girl" boasts interesting images, especially for scenes that were shot indoors. The result for its cinematography matched the common tone that Fincher had brought in for his past works. It is dark, intimidating and undeniably beautiful. The images consistently and confidently suffused throughout the running of the movie. Indeed, cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth understands Fincher's own visions.
David Fincher brought the best out of Ben Affleck, Tyler Perry, Carrie Coon and Kim Dickens in what they could deliver for acting on screen, but it was Rosamund Pike who was triumphing over the stars. She was incredibly convincing in all Amy's different persona – the good wife, the depressed wife and the villain. I dare say, the movie is worth watching for her performance alone. I have not seen her past performances, but I am convinced that her work for this one is one of her, if not, the best. Really, it is like an untainted, near- perfect performance by an actress.
It is uncommon for the writer of a book, which is going to be adapted into a film, to be attached fully during the process of making the movie. Gillian Flynn, the writer, led the screenplay of the film. It was her first time on being a scriptwriter, and the script is a great one; it is smart, but not conceited. The superiority of her screenplay is that it never seems undercooked or overcooked but just right to allow the story to flow naturally.
"Gone Girl" is slightly a drama and mostly a thriller. The story paints a picture of the life of a married couple, but greater concentration is being invested for the case and its development regarding Amy's disappearance. "Gone Girl" is a compelling picture with an impeccable pacing, and features superb performances overall. David Fincher had once again earned himself a fine addition for his superb filmography. "Gone Girl" surely an unmissable yarn.
(Cinematicmadness.blogspot.com)