What to watch at the Cinema this week?

Gone Girl

Dir: David Fincher

Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike

David Fincher (Fight Club, Seven) brings us this suspenseful thriller based on Gillian Flynn’s acclaimed novel. We follow the investigation of the disappearance of a seemingly normal woman. As the Police scrutinise her husband (played by Ben Affleck) things start to look much more sinister.

Let’s be clear, for many years Ben Affleck has given wooden performances in fairly empty thrillers. However, in recent years he has got his act together and seems like a new actor. Perhaps it was his very successful move into directing (The Town, Argo) in which he suddenly learnt how to act. Either way, my heart no longer sinks when I see his face on a billboard, and I have no doubt he’ll be great in this. This is a similar transition to Matthew McConaughey, from generic Rom-Com poster boy to a powerful, unique actor. No one’s sure what their secret is, but we’re not complaining.

David Fincher is adept at painting dark, dystopic worlds for his flawed characters to struggle in. He did this wonderfully with Seven, with the rainy, bleak backdrop almost becoming a character in its own right. His films have echoes of Scorsese and Hitchcock, riddled with suspense, troubled characters and compelling visuals.

I’m excited by Gone Girl and have no doubt I’ll be glued to my seat from the start.

Gone Girl is on general release from Thurs Oct 2nd.

Written by Martin Stocks | @Stocks1986