Gone Girl (1/13/2015)

Rated R for a scene of bloody violence, some strong sexual content/nudity, and language.

Starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Tyler Perry, Carrie Coon, Kim Dickens and Neil Patrick Harris

Directed by David Fincher (Se7en, Fight Club and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo)

Another dark David Fincher film with more than its share of twists and turns.

Gone Girl directed by David Fincher and based upon the global bestseller by Gillian Flynn — unearths the secrets at the heart of a modern marriage. On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) reports that his beautiful wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick’s portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife?

I’d like to begin with director David Fincher. He is a master at keeping the audience guessing. I still remember the first time I saw Se7en. It was unsettling, dark, and very entertaining. I was an instant fan. Over the years he has directed some great films and Gone Girl ranks among the best.

Secondly, the cast was phenomenal. It seems like everyone loves to hate Ben Affleck. In fact at one point in the film Ben says, “They liked me, they disliked me, they hated me now they love me”…that sounds about right. Say what you will about him, the man can act. The rest of the cast is so strong…even in their supporting roles.

With a director and cast as talented as this, one could only hope for a story that is equally compelling. Rest assured, Gone Girl will keep you guessing from beginning to end. It will also keep you feeling very uneasy…very very uneasy.

The problem with the film is the violence and sexual content. There are several scenes that show or describe graphic violence and/or sex. It really is a disturbing film. Like Se7en, I fear I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.

There is so much to appreciate in this film, but my score drops significantly because of the sex and violence. I’ll give it a “Rental.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
No. The violence and sexual content are graphic and intense. There is also a lot of profanity.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. How would you describe Nick’s character?


2. Why does he lack credibility?


3. Have you ever lied and experienced a similar reaction from family or friends? What happened?

Read Matthew 5:37

Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.


4. What do you think this verse is saying?


5. How can you do a better job of letting your yes be yes and you no be no?