Entertainment, News

You See What You Want To See – Gone Girl Film Review

0 231

Gone girl movie poster

A shot of Rosamund Pike’s head and a voice-over from Ben Affleck describing how he wants to smash it in. And so begins Gone Girl

Adapted from the best selling novel by Gillian Flynn, who is also the screenwriter of the film, the basic plot revolves around Amy Dunne (Pike) going missing and the efforts to find her. The film’s first act sets up the movie that we’ve seen in the trailers: is Amy Dunne dead? Did Ben Affleck kill her? Did Neil Patrick Harris kill her? The answers to these questions completely overhaul the film into something more like a revenge story, of the kind which might populate a Tarantino film. (I’m trying my best to not spoil the story but it is worth mentioning.)

In truth the film is an exploration of cinema itself, and what we do or do not see. We are not shown some of the more outlandish scenes of violence that Amy talks about, so we doubt if they ever happened. We are completely shrouded in a mystery that is unclear in terms of legitimate motivation and, even at the very end of the film, the lines between protagonist and antagonist are blurred. The ambiguous ending of the film merely mirrors the ambiguity of the entire film generally. We cannot be sure of anything.

Of course, it is a David Fincher film, so his casting is impeccable, the acting is great and his use of the camera is always interesting to watch, however, this film does not have typically beautiful shots that leave you salivating as they would in another film. But I believe this works in highlighting the story and the script, both of which are sharp and brutal.

I think we’ve established that I don’t go to see films that I am not excited and willing to watch, but Gone Girl, more than most, may just be the cinematic highlight of my entire year. I genuinely adored this film, to the point where I cannot find much fault. This movie is about perception, and seeing what you want to see, so without meaning to sound corny – you’ll want to see this film.

Sojourner McKenzie is starting her second year of an English and Film degree and spends most of her time ranting at no-one in particular about everything. Follow her on Twitter @runsojrun

About the author / 

aAh!

aAh! Magazine is Manchester Metropolitan University's arts and culture magazine.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • Anne Marie @ AO Arena Manchester review – A perfect and unexpected theatrical experience

    Featured Image and gallery: Ben Redshaw From West End childhood star and karate world champion to BRIT Award-winning popstar, Anne-Marie arrives at the AO Arena on the back of her third studio album, Unhealthy.  Leah Kate, an American singer best known for her post-heartbreak songs, is the opener. Kate tells the story of sliding into…

  • 5 emotional Harry Styles songs to cry to

    Featured image: Amelia Lara Del Rey Harry Styles is a man that’s hard to miss. From initially winning over our hearts in his X-Factor and One Direction days, Styles’ success has continued to grow across the release of his three Billboard Number 1 albums. He’s also recently invested in Manchester’s upcoming Co-op Live arena, set…

  • Meet the Author: Manchester Poetry Library hosts annual series featuring best-selling YA author Danielle Jawando

    Featured image: Ross Westgate The Manchester Poetry library hosted its annual ‘Meet the Author’ event series this month, featuring award-winning author and screenwriter Danielle Jawando. Born in Manchester, Jawando is the recipient of multiple literary accolades including the 2023 YA Book Prize for her most recent novel, When Our Worlds Collided. This year’s event invited…