The author herself worked closely with Fincher to adapt the book into a screenplay, something that will resonate with people who have read the novel before coming to the film.
Speaking about the adaptation to Film Comment, the director said: “The book is many things. You have to choose which aspect you want to make a movie from. Most interesting to me was the idea of our collective narcissism as it relates to coupling, or who we show to our would-be mates and who they show to us.”
With an all-star cast featuring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike as the leads – the latter earning an Oscar nomination for her role – the film was a big hit on its release.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film is given a “Certified Fresh” rating of 88% with an audience score slightly behind at 87%.
Upon its release, Gone Girl grossed more than $369 million worldwide and was named by several publications as one of the best films of the decade. Since its release, it has gathered somewhat of a cult following and is one of the best modern mystery films.
Leaving a five-star review, one critic said: “Yet another evidence of David Fincher’s masterful visual filmmaking. With seamless editing, a memorable score, and fantastic camera work, Gone Girl is technically magnificent, but it’s Gillian Flynn’s debut screenplay that steals the spotlight.”
While another added: “A masterful adaptation led by a career-best performance from Rosamund Pike.”
For those who missed it the first time around, the film’s addition to Netflix offers a new opportunity to experience one of the most talked-about psychological dramas of recent years.