DAVID FINCHER DIRECTS BEN AFFLECK IN GONE GIRL

2014 rating: ***1/2

Practically critic-proof, a film designed so as not to be spoiled, David Fincher’s moody and atmospheric GONE GIRL begins as a missing person mystery, veers into an Accused Man Film Noir and eventually detours… or, depending on your viewpoint… derails into a violent dark comedy ala TO DIE FOR, which probably isn't intentional. 

Ben Affleck kind of resembles real life pregnant wife killer Scott Peterson... With a cool and calculating persona, his Nick Dunne seems just as guilty. Yet Nick’s a perfect clean slate so his motives (if he has any) are unclear.

The plot is simple, at first. Dunne is a handsome loser who marries a beautiful rich girl. After she vanishes, he becomes more and more of a suspect, weathering a snoopy detective and a rabid mass media: especially an anchorwoman turning the story into banal tabloid fodder reminiscent of the 1990’s.

Though overcooked and overlong, GONE GIRL is an intriguing thriller wherein David Fincher’s hypnotic narrative, backed by Trent Reznor’s tempered soundtrack, are like characters in themselves. But to disclose anything else about the humans – especially Rosamund Pike as Nick’s missing wife, Amy – would be a crime. Let’s just say, the title may hold a double meaning... And then some.