Cleft Chin

Rating: 10/10 (6 October 2014)

I'm one of the people who read the book. But I read the book after the first trailer for this movie came out. So as I was reading, I literally imagined Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike and other actors from the movie in my mind. Upon finding out that David Fincher was the director behind this adaptation, I was sure the movie was in good hands. I'm not going to review the book, but I have to say it was incredible. I know that movie adaptations deviate from the book, but as I watched the movie begin, with that distinct ominous Fincher feel, I knew this would do more than the book justice.
-Plot- Nick Dunne is a writer who lost his job, as is his wife Amy Dunne. With Amy's money, Nick opens a bar in his home town alongside his twin sister Margo. Things seem to be going well for the trio, until one day Amy has mysteriously gone missing. There is a mess in the living room that the cops conclude was made to make it all look like a fake altercation had occurred. Among other things, Nick Dunne doesn't seem to look too concerned for his missing wife. There is also a diary left by Amy that states her fear of her husband leading up to her disappearance. All fingers point to Nick. Nick however claims his innocence while he solves the treasure hunt from his missing wife left behind for him on their anniversary. He learns of people from Amys past who have a say in the matter as well. Time begins running out. Not everything is what it seems. Did Nick kill his wife?
First off, let me say that David Fincher and the gang have really captured the tone of the book perfectly. The cinematographer did an amazing job with the look of the film. Each camera angle looks like a modern piece of art depicting the world in its true light. The music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is even better than their score for The Social Network in my opinion. It all feels eerie and atmospheric. Perfect for the story and setting. The screenplay was done by the author herself, which means that no fans of the book should complain when she basically wrote the film too! If I had read the book before the movie cast was revealed, I probably wouldn't agree with the choice of Ben Affleck as the lead. But I'm glad that wasn't the case. Ben really dives deep into this role. He was just how I pictured Nick being while reading. A big man, with a somewhat blank face and jerk smile and cleft chin. There is a scene from the book that was perfectly adapted in which Nick is approached by a woman who sneaks a selfie of herself with him smiling politely, but he quickly realized what the photo would do to his image and he tries to persuade her to delete it. It was a great simple scene among many that showcased Bens good acting for the part. Rosamund Pike also played Amy well. Her ghastly tone when narrating her diary, her innocent tone when talking to anyone in the movie, her hidden evil tone toward the end, all done well. The supporting cast was great as well, but I'll admit that the actor who plays Gilpin was not suited for the role as much as the rest of the characters and actors. The biggest acting surprise in the movie is Tyler Perry as Tanner Bolt, Nicks lawyer. He was so serious and believable. I almost forgot I was watching the same man who made all those horrible Madia movies. Neil Patrick Harris as Desi Collings, the mysterious and creepy ex boyfriend of Amy, was also a good serious turn for the actor. Though I knew the ending and exactly what was going to happen, I still felt like I didn't know what was next in each scene. That's how good this movie was made. There are certain scenes that still lurk in my mind. The movie is disturbing in a clever way just as it should be. It is a great movie about the current sign of the times. A movie that perfectly showcases the countries obsession with missing cases. How the country believes almost anything a newscast will say. How the country gets distracted with murder trials too easily and almost always ignores facts. This is a movie about modern marriage as well. Don't forget how the movie parodies the horrible Nancy Grace, which I loved! The twist ending is in tact and the movie really deserves it's R rating. This was one of the best suspense movies of the decade. I'm not going to tell you that you must read the book, because this was such a great adaptation. If you aren't a reader, I'm proud to say this movie did the book justice either way. If you do like reading, then I suggest reading the book before or after watching the movie. The movie is a great companion piece! David Fincher has made another modern masterpiece thriller. Expect lots of praise from this, and lots of hate. Most of the hate will come from the people who hate movies that get hyped and praised though. I expect this movie to do well! I can't wait for the Blu Ray!