Gone Girl (R)

Gone Girl (R) Director David Fincher has pulled off another winner and his final cut of “Gone Girl,” the film, is a hit with fans of the thrilling novel by Gillian Flynn. In fact, it seems to be pleasing everyone. Despite pre-release rumors that the ending was to be changed, the movie version ends just as the fans of the book expected and proves to be satisfyingly those previously unfamiliar with the story as well, thus, a win-win for the audiences.

Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) is about to celebrate his fifth wedding anniversary with his lovely wife Amy (Rosamund Pike), but there is a dreadful snag in the party plans. Amy is missing. From concerned husband to worried suspect, Nick is about to enter a world of deceptions, accusations, uncomfortable truths and, finally, a grim reality.

The film, so well acted and orchestrated, it leaves you unaware of its length, a hefty 149 minutes. Swept away by the twists and turns of plot, all you can do is watch with your thoughts glued to the gripping details of the unfolding crime. As to the story, I will not even hint at the “Big Turn” that will leave you with your mouth agape. So smooth is the plot that as outlandish as it sometime gets, all of the pieces fit diabolically and perfectly.

With nothing to criticize as to the screenplay, cinematography, acting, timing of the reveal, it is difficult to imagine anyone not being entertained by this work. The only possible exception would be if you find the murder-mystery genre unappealing.

Film Factoids:

• The screenplay was adapted from the novel of the same name, by its author Gillian Flynn, thus explaining the fact that the film stuck to the original story so closely.

• Most of the movie was filmed in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

• Someone has already bought “The Bar” shown in the movie and plans to open it to the public shortly.

• Award winning director David Fincher was the director of “The Social Network” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”

• Rosamund Pike, A British actor, won the role of Amy Dunne from a field of hopefuls including Emily Blunt, Natalie Portman and Abbie Cornish.

Go see it, and if you have a moment, please post a comment here on Patch. What did you think about the ending? The casting of the leads? The chances for some 2014 Academy Award nominations?