I cannot remember what I thought of it at the time (I was 8) beyond finding parts of it creepy, such as the clown. Now, having watched it a couple of times over the years, I would say I reservedly enjoy it. Michael Douglas is perfectly cast. The cinematography is gorgeous and macabre. A couple of the set pieces are extremely exciting. I always find the ending deflating, though. Too abrupt, too cute, too self-satisfied. "Ha ha, it truly was just a game, but now you have a soul, Scrooge!"

Watched this again recently on bluray. The lack of Oscar nominations is idiotic. Weird that GWTDT won editing and yet this was totally overlooked.

Can't wait to finally see this tomorrow! Loved the book!

Gone Girl is one of the best books I have ever read: was the movie one of the best I have ever seen? Unfortunately not, but that doesn't mean it still wasn't really good. The second half of the movie once the big twist is revealed is really, really good. The first half, which is mostly slow build up, worked better on the page because I didn't know what was coming and you expect books to have a slow buildup. It really is a travesty this was not nominated for Best Picture, as I found this immensely superior to the likes of The Grand Budapest Hotel and about on par with Boyhood.

A-

The twist didn't feel nearly as effective in the movie, which is unfortunate. Everything else is solid, but the book reads a lot different, as though she is more upbeat, bubbly, maybe a tad ditzy. In the movie she's portrayed in the narrations as cold, distant, paranoid, with a touch of evil. Which she is, when the twist is revealed. But the line should have been stronger between her version of reality and actual reality.

Still an exceptional movie. The lines between who's right and who's wrong are blurred, which is great. I'm glad the movie doesn't try to portray Affleck as more of a gentlemanly hero who's been framed, or portray Pike as a damsel pushed to her breaking point. Both fit the antagonist role.