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Oscar®Oscar® Nominee for Best Actress in a leading role—Rosamund Pike

MOVIE REVIEW

Gone Girl

MPA Rating: R-Rating (MPA) for a scene of bloody violence, some strong sexual content/nudity, and language.

Reviewed by: Alexander Malsan
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating: Extremely Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Adults
Genre: Mystery Psychological Thriller Drama Adaptation
Length: 2 hr. 25 min.
Year of Release: 2014
USA Release: October 3, 2014 (wide—3,000+ theaters)
DVD: January 13, 2015
Copyright, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation click photos to ENLARGE Copyright, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation Copyright, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation Copyright, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation Copyright, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation Copyright, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation Copyright, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation Copyright, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation Copyright, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation Copyright, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
Relevant Issues
Copyright, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

lies, dishonesty, deceits

keeping secrets within intimate relationships

faking a pregnancy

unhappiness in marriages

how marriages sometimes break down

people that manipulate others

bitterness

hatred

In what ways do some couples, display only their very BEST self during courtship?

dynamics of long-term relationships

the sense of bankruptcy that both individuals and communities may feel during financially hard times


TRUE LOVE—What is true love and how do you know when you have found it? Answer


FORNICATION and ADULTERY

PURITY—Should I save sex for marriage? Answer


kidnapping

murder in the Bible

sin and the fall of man

What are goodness and righteousness?

Mass media

TV scandal culture / devious media

problems sometimes created when news media cover some stories too much and sensationalize them


FILM VIOLENCE—How does viewing violence in movies affect families? Answer


twins in the Bible

Featuring Ben AffleckNick Dunne
Rosamund PikeAmy Dunne
Neil Patrick HarrisDesi Collings
Tyler PerryTanner Bolt
Sela WardSharon Schieber
Carrie CoonMargo Dunne
Kim Dickens … Detective Rhonda Boney
Patrick Fugit … Officer Jim Gilpin
David Clennon … Rand Elliot
Lisa Banes … Marybeth Elliott
Missi Pyle … Ellen Abbott
See all »
Director David Fincher — “Fight Club” (1999), “Se7en” (1995), “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008)
Producer Artemple
New Regency Pictures
See all »
Distributor

Meet Nick and Amy Dunne. The two have been happily married for the past five years, quietly living in the suburbs of North Carthage, Missouri.

On the night of their five year anniversary, Nick comes home to discover the house has been vandalized, and, worst of all… Amy is missing.

As the police investigate the incident, they can’t help but notice how calm and composed Nick is about Amy’s disappearance. As evidence (including Amy’s diary) quickly builds against Nick, it all boils down to this one question: Did Nick kill his wife Amy in cold blood?

One word describes how I feel about “Gone Girl” right now: confused. This is a movie that, for me, was both enjoyable, yet also extremely offensive, which makes me wonder, “Why was it so offensive, and yet still a really good thriller?” In order to help organize my thoughts clearly, I decided to put it in bullet points:

THE GOOD:

  • The Story: Gillian Flynn (the author) is brilliant. The story she has created reaches a depth that after I had left the theater I kept thinking, “Wait, I get it! Because this happened this was also able to happen!” After I walked out I had more questions than answers, but in a way that was good. I couldn’t help but wonder how the story would continue. What I also appreciated was the way Flynn (and director David Fincher) successfully mastered the art of misdirection in this story. There are so many twists and surprises that I was kept guessing until the very end. And that’s how you write a movie.

  • The Characters and Their Development: In many films translated from books, a lot of what gives the novel wonder disappears. Sure, the basic gist of the story is still there (like with the Harry Potter films), but some of the true essence and character development gets lost. In “Gone Girl,” however, this is not the case. Nick and Amy’s characters are fully developed to the point where I felt for both Amy and Nick (example: While I felt sorry for Nick for his wife being kidnapped, I also disliked him for how he reacted to the situation in the first place.).

  • The Performances: After seeing “Gone Girl,” I can say that Ben Affleck has become one of my favorite Hollywood actors. The way he portrays Nick Dunne (his emotions or lack thereof, his entire personality) is nothing short of incredible. The same can be said of Rosamund Pike as Amy. While she does not say much in the beginning of the film, her character develops more towards the end and her performance flourishes.

THE BAD

  • Content: There is A LOT to be cautious about with “Gone Girl.” A lot. What viewers will have to deal with are some extreme moments of violence (including a scene where a character slits a throat open with a knife and pools of blood are shown).

  • There is also some INCREDIBLY graphic sexual content and nudity. Sexual content includes multiple scenes (in flashbacks) of a couple having different forms of sex in public places with accompanying sound effects. A husband is shown cheating on his wife with another woman. There is also some male nudity, a scene where a woman is shown undressing (nudity involved), scenes involving a woman’s bare breasts, talk of masturbation, incest, different forms of sex, and talk of various sexual body parts.

    In one sex scene, one person slits the other’s throat, while having sex. A woman abuses herself, including jabs a hammer into her eye, causing a huge purple bruise. There is also a scene where a man throws a woman hard to the ground and in another he slams her head against the wall. Another scene involves someone drawing their own blood (in large quantities) and pouring it onto the floor. Please be aware, I have not listed all of the violence.

    There is also some heavy profanity to deal with. Multiple and frequent instances of f**k and sh*t are heard. Also, the words c*nt, a**, a**-hole, b**ch, h*ll, t*ts, and p*ssy. God and the Lord’s name are also taken in vain several times.

  • Morality Issues: “Gone Girl” is a dark film. As one commenter stated (again, without going too much into detail), “Gone Girl” blurs the line between good and evil, which will rightly make many Christians especially uncomfortable.

Spiritual Theme

One of the issues “Gone Girl” deals with is adultery. It is unfortunate that in our society the concept of adultery is becoming accepted and justified by some. The world seems to want adulterers to feel justified in their actions, whether they be for or against God. The idea of “doing whatever feels right to you” has become widely accepted in our society.

Christians, however, are reminded that marriage is a sacred institution, made between a man and a woman in the sight of God, and that it is a lifelong commitment, “for better or for worse.” God has granted no instances where it is justified or right to commit adultery. Absolutely none. Here are just a few of the many Scriptures that touch on this:

  • Hebrews 13:4—Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:18—Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.

And as a reminder to those who are not married:

Matthew 5:27-28—You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Conclusion

With some serious, large amounts of editing, perhaps this film could have been recommendable, as the performances are good, the story serves its purpose well in the psychological thriller genre, and the characters are developed. But morally, as it is, this movie is extremely offensive. No question. Sexual content and nudity are ever present, scenes of violence are frequent (some are very gross), and profanity runs rampant.

Violence: Extreme / Profanity: Extreme / Sex/Nudity: Extreme

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Positive
Positive—This movie succeeds very well as a thriller. The main characters are finely delineated. I had not read the book, but I did figure out what was going on pretty soon. Call it maturity and discernment on my part. I found the movie well cast and well-acted.

Interesting story, but be aware that it is very, very graphic in sexuality and violence. It is a disturbing worldview of relationships, and, yes, Satan does prowl around fooling people and inspiring lies and hatred and acts of violence.

Most Christians will find this movie deplorable on moral grounds, and it is. But the story was written and is now presented in cinematic format. If you can handle the sex and violence, then you will be satisfied with the thriller aspect of it.

But if you want a feel good movie, then stay very, very far away from this one.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Halyna Barannik, age 68 (USA)
Positive—“Gone Girl” is a fascinating film. Genuine surprise twists to the story make this movie a roller coaster of a ride. Fincher’s direction and translation from the book to the screen is seamlessly smooth and flawless. I had been interested in “Gone Girl” for quite some time, and while there was some inappropriate, unnecessary graphic sexual content and nudity (trust me, I wasn’t the ONLY one looking away at those scenes), the movie was still nothing short of amazing. Fincher is an incredible director.

As the other commenter stated, if you can force yourself to look away at the graphic (and I do mean graphic) sexual content and some nudity like I did, and don’t mind some very vulgar language, you might enjoy “Gone Girl.” If not, avoid it at all costs. …
My Ratings: Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
Alexander Malsan, age 24 (USA)
Positive—Well… It’s David Fincher, of course. The story is dark, different from the book. The directing is always amazing when Fincher is directing, the acting is outstanding, the screenplay is excellent written, the music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is amazing. The story about marriage is interesting, very smart and dark. I can’t say anything more.

If you like this type of films of thriller and mystery, this is the film for you. David Fincher delivers also the casting. I don’t find this film offensive, because sometimes these things happen, so it’s like a story from real life. I love the films of David Fincher the best. I mean, if you will see this you have to be prepare for surprises. …
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Sergio De La Cruz, age 18 (Guatemala)
Positive—From a pure movie making perspective, “Gone Girl” is near perfect. I sat through almost the entire movie wide-eyed and on the edge of my seat. I found myself engrossed in the whole tale as it unwound before me. There were even a couple of laughs thrown in the mix just to keep things from getting overly heavy-handed. Perfectly cast, everyone in this movie shines in their own way. Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike have a natural chemistry together. Neil Patrick Harris plays a lovesick puppy with mental issues, and he does so perfectly. Tyler Perry establishes himself among the Hollywood elite in this movie. Carrie Coon, who plays Nick’s sister Margo, is someone whom I hope we’ll be seeing a lot more of in the future.

From a moral standpoint, if offensive material makes you squeamish, then stay far away from this movie until it arrives on network television. There is a strong case for giving this movie an NC-17 rating. More profanity than an Andrew Dice Clay concert, more sex/nudity than a Roman orgy. Violent scenes are scattered throughout. From a drug/alcohol content, it’s relatively tame. Yes, alcohol is consumed, but the vast majority of it is in an appropriate celebratory atmosphere.

The biggest lesson that can be learned here is this: when you meet someone you’re attracted to, keep it pure, and wait until marriage and then stay loyal throughout. I can’t help but think that Nick and Amy would have been better off if they did just that. Bottom line: this movie is VERY GOOD, but also VERY OFFENSIVE. I’m not saying stay away, but know what you’re getting into if you decide to see it. You have been warned. …
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Scott, age 43 (USA)
Positive—This is a superbly executed thriller with some career best performances from everyone involved. What could have been a routine procedural is elevated by the sheer craftsmanship of the director and dedication of the actors. Ben Affleck’s natural smugness is actually a major asset, and Rosamund Pike is chilling as Amy. The entire film looks amazing, and all the supporting stars are incredibly appealing.

That being said, their are some glaring plot holes, but, due to the film’s relentless pacing and superlative acting, you’ll barely notice. Of course, the film contains some incredibly repugnant scenes and elements, however I do not feel that they are altogether gratuitous. See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Nathan, age 30 (Australia)
Positive—An excellent film that should be avoided by prudes at all costs. David Fincher brings his A-game to the table once again, directing a stellar cast and working from a topnotch screenplay from Gillian Flynn, who also penned the novel that the film is based on.

As a Christian, I believe that it is imperative that all soon-to-be-married and/or newlywed couples should sit down and watch this film together. We live in a culture where people tend to rush in to marriages without thinking of the long-term consequences of such hasty decisions. If you are an adult, nothing in this film should “offend” you in the normal sense. Yes, there are some shocking scenes, but they serve a purpose and aren’t gratuitous in the slightest. I highly recommend this film.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
Adam Renkovish, age 32 (USA)
Positive—Excellent movie, superbly put together and building tension well throughout. I won’t spoil the plot line. It is graphic both sexually and in violence which—as often—is a shame and will no doubt put off many viewers. Definitely not one for the children or young teens.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Steve, age 53 (United Kingdom)
Neutral
Neutral—Good plot and acting. Over the top violence, sexual graphics, and just how many times can you say f**k in one movie? Please. It could have been done with good taste and still been outstanding. But, the feel of a first class film is tainted with the smut in just about every scene. Why do you do it Hollywood? You let us down, Ben. On the other hand, Rosamund Pike does an outstanding acting job.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
J.B., age 74 (USA)
Neutral—…My first impression was simple; Couples should stay away from this movie. The plot… can incite a chain of unending questions in the minds of couples, because the subject of morality, right and wrong, is flawed absolutely! One cannot say Amy or Nick was right. The chilling reality is when the viewer suddenly sees traces of the two main characters in him or herself.

In summary, I won’t discredit this movie on moral grounds, even though I must admit that the movie has a very poor sense of morality. It allows you to think through the movie in a deep way. It is a must watch! Coupes should stay away; singles can enjoy the plots of this great movie.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
Nana Kwasi Appiah, age 23 (France)
Neutral—This movie caught my attention, but not until halfway through. It was one of those movies that the viewers were wondering and guessing what was going to happen. Is he gonna trick her into a confession, go public with what he thinks, are the past old boyfriends going to step up, etc. Instead, the movie ended with a big blank, making us feel like the film was a complete waste of time. Kudos for a 99% great movie and a 1% not so good ending. I will be sure not to watch any sequel to this film.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: none
Adam Pulice, age 37 (Canada)
Negative
Negative—This movie was extremely offensive. I am outraged that the regular movie reviews did not accurately reflect what this movie would be, so that I could make a realistic informed choice. I had never visited a Christian review site before seeing this movie, and I will never make that mistake again! My family and I have a right to know what a movie will be before we pay to see it; I feel it should have been rated X.

I have never seen anything like this very profane, bloody, violent, perverted movie. I literally went home and prayed that God would forgive me for sitting through it and to take the image of the bloody, violent sex scene out of my mind. I went as a guest of a relative that had been estranged from my family for many years, and this was our first outing together after 10 years. If I did not think it would have deeply offended that relative for me to walk out of the movie, I would have. As we left the theater I did apologize for choosing that movie, and I told him I had no idea it would be so evil.See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: ½
Louise, age 53 (USA)
Negative—Do not watch this movie. I felt I needed spiritual cleaning as it left me with evil images and sinful scenes.
My Ratings: Moral rating: / Moviemaking quality: ½
Michael, age 56 (USA)
Negative—After seeing “Gone Girl,” I can’t get it out of my mind, unfortunately not just because of the extremely disturbing scenes. I regret to say that the questions I came away with were based on the intriguing plot, twists and theme of this movie. No doubt, it was excellent from a filmmaking perspective, but creepy and dark from the beginning. But I am left pondering answers to questions that I don’t feel I should be. It teases the mind. In hindsight, I would never have seen this.

It goes against all my moral and Christian values, and I never want to reach a stage where I am not shocked by the offensive scenes, foul language and graphic nature of films. It was most disturbing from a sexually graphic point of view and that horrific bloody sexual scene involving murder is something I couldn’t watch, but saw enough of to be absolutely horrified. I am ashamed I sat through it all.See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
Sarah, age 34 (Australia)
Negative—…is this movie offensive! I read the book, very intrigued by the characters and plot, but I was bothered by the extreme language and sexual content. That should’ve been enough to make me stay away from the movie, but I ended up going with a friend, and I deeply regret it. I have never watched a movie with so much language (f-word just about every other sentence), nudity (both male and female), legitimate sex scenes, and such a distorted and disgusting view of marriage, along with a bonus graphic scene featuring spurting blood.

I left the theater feeling dirty and ashamed, and I am in repentance for supporting the film and being such a poor witness for Christ by going and tolerating it. Please, PLEASE skip this movie.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3½
Elizabeth, age 19 (USA)
Negative—Ok, I have just watched this movie, and I really regret it. Firstly, there is a lot of swearing, secondly there is such an evil violent scene that after I saw it I actually started crying, because of how bad it was; it went too far and the girl next to me actually said okay that was too far. I feel sick after watching it and am so upset to have filled my mind with this.

***SPOILER*** Long story short is that the female is a psychopathic murderer and in the end her husband wants to live with her. There is no repentance or remorse on her part, ***END SPOILER*** it’s just twisted and sick, no satisfying ending between good and evil. Please spare yourself and don’t watch it.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3
Ariane, age 27 (Australia)
Negative—How ANY Christian can give this a positive is offensive. I am horrified and embarrassed that I stayed through this movie. The language alone should have sent me out the door. But the GRAPHIC NUDITY AND SEX was HIGHLY OFFENSIVE. Could have been a contender, the sex and language was unnecessary!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Kimberly, age 40s (USA)
Negative—Really, why would anyone want to fill their minds with such vulgarity? Sex, gore and violence, filthy language (I couldn’t count the many, many times the f—word was used.) Felt like I needed a cleansing after watching. The only reason my husband and I chose to stay after about 10 minutes was so I could give an accurate account to others.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3½
Sandi, age 57 (USA)
Negative—I, too, felt like I needed a spiritual cleansing after watching this movie. I am ashamed to have sat through it and have asked the Lord to forgive me. Even the story line could not save this movie from its disgusting sexual content and foul language.

This was a dark and depraved movie on all levels. I think this movie was way beyond an R rating and that it should have a warning on the label for extreme sexual content and language. If you haven’t seen this movie, please don’t. This movie is one that will wound your spirit and fill your mind with horrible images of blood and gore.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3½
Susie, age 67 (USA)
Negative—This would be a perfect movie if you wanted to adopt Satan’s strongholds. It implants thought-seeds about power play, control, marriage, sex, lust, incest, blood sacrifice during sexual ceremony, lying, resentment, coldness toward another, unforgiveness, cruelty, emotional abuse, and extreme negativity. It implants an idea of moral breakdown in the name of money and power, and that manipulation and gas-lighting are perfectly OK if you want to turn the minds of many.

I have never commented on a Christian site before, I keep my faith to myself, generally, but really, if you want to avoid being corrupted, don’t watch the movie. I’m no prude, but I found the sodomy and the murder during sex, revolting, disgusting, disturbing and sickening. See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3
Maryam, age 40 (United Kingdom)
Negative—Ended up turning this movie off about ¼ to ⅓ of the way through. Glad we were at home to do that and only wasted the price of a TV rental and not the expensive price of seeing it a theatre. Not worth sitting through all the moral filth in this movie to enjoy the actual thriller part of it. Cannot believe it was rated 14A in Canada. Makes me sick to think there would be 14 year olds sitting in a theatre watching the very graphic sex scenes, and we fast forwarded the 1st and turned it off at the second. Can’t imagine what else came along throughout the show. From watching the 1st ¼ or so of the show, we saw nothing from a Christian standpoint that was redeemable with this movie to warrant sitting through it.
Susanne, age 54 (Canada)
Movie Critics
Director David Fincher and stars Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck are at the top of their game in this mesmerizing adaptation of Gillian Flynn's novel. …the film views marriage as a performance of sorts, a contract under which husband and wife agree to a certain measure of pretense. The need to perform, privately as well as publicly, becomes quite literal…
Justin Chang, Variety
…It’s full of despair and downright depressing…
Preview Family Movie and TV Review
…a story that spins ever more wildly—and sexually and gruesomely—out of the realm of normalcy and into something more like “The Twilight Zone” had it been created by the makers of “Saw.” …as macabre in its twisted blending of sex and violence as anything I've ever seen…
Adam R. Holz, Plugged In
…extremely bloody murder scene… extreme sexual content… at least 77 obscenities (including many “f” words)…
Ted Baehr, Movieguide
…At its strongest, “Gone Girl” plays like a queasily, at times gleefully, funny horror movie about a modern marriage, one that has disintegrated partly because of spiraling downward mobility and lost privilege. …
Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
…at times every part of me recoiled in disgust…
Christa Banister, Crosswalk
Comments from non-viewers
Negative—I got about 1.5 hours into “Gone Girl” before shutting it off… I don’t generally require all actions of a given character in a film to be moral as long as the movie doesn’t seem to be excusing/glorifying the behavior or trying to titillate the audience however I have a low threshold for blasphemous content. In quick succession:

1. The husband and his sister say that his wife (who’s trying to frame him for murder because of his infidelity) is “Playing God, the God of the Old Testament.”

2. A character who prominently wears a cross necklace robs a woman and condones hitting her. That was it for me. From some of the other comments here it appears that I missed a particularly nasty scene towards the end so I doubt it’s much of a loss.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3½
Derek, age 33 (USA)
Negative—I have not seen this movie. But after reading the reviews regarding content, I honestly do not understand how any fully informed Christian can watch this movie. Would you want Christ sitting next to you? I am not a religious prude, but I do know what is acceptable viewing for a Christian. This is not… no matter what the world says about storyline or superb acting. You can never erase the images or the language. Please, dear brothers and sisters in Christ… we've been bought with a price. Christ deserves, and so do you, better than this.
Pam, age 59 (USA)

PLEASE share your observations and insights to be posted here.