Gone Girl [Blu-ray]

Gone Girl is one of those rare thrillers that grabs you from the opening scene and doesn’t let go until the very last moment. It’s a masterclass in suspense, with layer after layer of deception, manipulation, and psychological drama.The story follows the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne, and as the media frenzy builds, suspicion falls on her husband, Nick. But nothing in this film is what it seems. Just when you think you have it figured out, the plot takes a sharp turn that leaves you completely stunned.Rosamund Pike delivers a chilling, unforgettable performance, and Ben Affleck plays the perfect counterpart—flawed, suspicious, and strangely sympathetic. The direction by David Fincher is sharp, stylish, and perfectly matches the unsettling tone of the story.This isn’t just a mystery—it’s a dark exploration of relationships, identity, and the masks people wear. If you love psychological thrillers with smart writing and jaw-dropping twists, Gone Girl is absolutely worth watching. Just be ready to question everything.

THE FILM: David Fincher is one of my favorite directors, and for good reason. He's able to take ordinary or middling source material and spin gold out of it. Such is the case with his latest film, GONE GIRL. GONE GIRL is the story of Nick and Amy Dunne, a seemingly happy married couple who live in a Missouri suburb. However, Nick's life turns into a living hell on the morning of their fifth anniversary when he comes home to find his wife missing, and eventually a suspect in her disappearance. In case there are people who haven't seen the film (or read the book), I'll stop here to avoid going into spoiler territory. The film, for me, is a success in every category. David Fincher has yet again created a visually rich and technically superb film that is beautifully shot. The performances were also incredible, from a perfectly cast Ben Affleck as Nick to Rosamund Pike as his wife, Amazing Amy. In fact, Rosamund Pike is a revelation in this film and, in my opinion, gives the second best female performance of 2014 (first place going to Essie Davis for THE BABADOOK). She does an excellent job at portraying a manipulative, conniving woman and Ben Affleck was perfect as her affable husband. It should go without saying that this film does not paint a pretty picture of marriage, and in fact is downright cynical towards it. In a more general sense, it takes a look at the facades we put up for others and the degree to which we attempt influence other peoples' perception of us. How much is truthful, and how much is a lie? To a lesser degree, the film also examines the way in which popular media affects public perception. This is portrayed in the film by a Nancy Grace stand-in, Ellen Abbott (Missi Pyle). And, believe it or not, Tyler Perry is great as Tanner Bolt, the lawyer that Nick hires to prepare his case, and also helps him do some image rehabilitation. Overall, I loved the film's acerbic wit and satirical edge, not to mention that the story takes a number of twists and turns that you won't see coming. This is one of my favorite films from last year, and I highly recommend seeing it.THE EXTRAS: Unfortunately, this Blu-ray set is a little light in terms of supplementary material. The sole special feature on the disc is a commentary track which, to be fair, is a substantial one. I just wish that they had put some featurettes to complement it. The only other thing is an Amazing Amy book called "Tattle Tale." This was a cute marketing gimmick and did make for an interesting read, although it's more of a collector's item than anything.OVERALL: GONE GIRL is an excellent film that has David Fincher in top form, as well as superb performances from its entire cast. On a side-note, watch for a small (but awesome) cameo by Scoot McNairy; Neil Patrick Harris also has a small supporting role as one of Amy's ex-boyfriends. Sadly, there isn't too much in the way of special features (for those that enjoy them). Still, I'd be hard-pressed not to recommend purchasing this Blu-ray, especially when the film is this great.

Dark and sadistic.

I really enjoyed this movie on my first viewing at home . I watched it again at home several months later. Again It was enjoyable but obviously it didnt hold my suspense as my first viewing. YESTERDAY I Watched it again looking for unique aspects in film making such unusual camera angles and the such . What I found was a film that far surpasses any other film I ever watched when it came to PRODUCT PLACEMENT. EVERY FEW MINUTES I FELT AS IF I WAS WATCHING A COMMERCIAL FOR A CORN CHIP ,TWO POPULAR SODA Drinks MY FAVORITE CANDY BAR , MOVIE STREAMING SERVICES just to mention a few. In one scene you get to see a popular soda filmed from three different angles. Yes product placement is now a fact of life in high end commercial films to help offset the high pricetag to the production of the filn but not for the consumer.This is a great story filled with twists and fine acting and all the positives that go into big budget popular films. It is also a commercial for many products we find on store shelves ,cable channels or top level airline magazine articles. As an example to paraphrase part of a scenes dialogue " and you will get a great nights sleep on my......... bed. (Actual cost $10,000 to $100000) . Another example that was soooo obvious was that everyone that stays at a particular motel seems to enjoy eating a certain brand of corn chips whether you are relaxing at the pool or watching the tube. My problem is not with the products but how it is being crammed down my throat. It is not even subliminal . Its blatant advertising.One of the best futuristic films ever made was Blade Runner. A fabulous movie. I recall a scene were we are in an Asian version of times square with blazing humongous neon signs advertising all sorts of popular products or companies. That scene actually fits. Large urban cities worldwide all resemble a decaying version of Times Square. That too is product placement. But the difference is one character doesnt turn to another and says "I gotta get me one of these". After watching another ground breaking film "2001" people actual put in requests to the now defunct Pam Am airline for the first commercial flights to the moon. Its obvious you can sell almost anything if you place the product prominently and sell some virtue to owning it.Movies are not the only place products touch us either subliminally or just outright . I dont know about you but when I see a film I am not looking to go shopping. Sometimes I feel that we are reaching a point that a new award will be offered at film festivals for" Best Product Placements". Its obvious it works. These large corporations would not be investing large bucks unless they felt there was a return on this investment. So the formula seems to be if you can guess which film(s) will get a large audience lets sell our product with creative placement in this film. Everyone should be happy. Consumer sees a good film and was exposed to our product 3 times . That could give us a ten percent rise in sales for the # of people that see the film . Since GONE GIRL is going to be a great film or at least highly watched film lets pay a little more for our soda to be seen more time than their soda. And of course we can pass the addional cost off to the viewer on our next price hike. I feel like a sucker. I'm not going to miss a fine film because I am offended at the quicky commercials that are attached to this film. Hey I am an adult and I can make up my own mind. Except that a movie should be about great story telling and not about products.Heres an idea.Put a notice up that there are 12 product placements in this film and then let the public choose whether or not they want to see this film. In reality we will continue to go and invest our time in seeing good movie naking. Then if we want we can all go up to the refreshment stand and make "our " own mind what to buy.Go see this film. It is a great story. Just don't get hung up on product placement. It does make a fun game with others counting along but wait for your second viewing.