Carrie Coon

A stellar episode sics two of the series’ best actors on compelling, harsh material.

It is a crime against the film world to label David Fincher’s newest, ‘Gone Girl,’ with only one word or phrase. There are elements of “thriller” here, an essence of “police procedural.” There’s a teaspoon of “black comedy”, a dash of “recession-related social relevance” and a heaping helping of “media satire”

Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, Gone Girl’s literal translation and loyal adaptation acts as the film’s best friend and worst enemy. Some of the best parts of the novel work great on screen, while others are hard to portray. Since the majority of the audience is fully aware of what’s going on, widespread alterations are inevitably taken with caution, no matter how big or small. If too much of the storyline is given away too hastily, the appeal is lost before its midpoint. Unfortunately for director David Fincher, what’s left is a campy shell of a plot extracted from any remnants of wit and mystery.

Fincher is an expert chemist when it comes to concocting the nastiest tales of cynicism and darkness. Gone Girl may not be the culmination of his efforts to date, but it’s undoubtedly a sinister piece of work. There’s an oppressive air within the film, from its meticulously created soundscape and score (from Fincher alums Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross) to its plasticized aesthetic. The cynical attitude is evident from the first frame, as the camera looks at the top of Amy’s (Rosamund Pike) head and Nick (Ben Affleck) says he’d like to “crack [his] wife’s head” to reveal the secrets lying in her labyrinthine brain. From that kickoff, we understand this is not a happy marriage. Maybe Fincher feels no marriages are happy.

The Leftovers, Season 1, Episode 10, “The Prodigal Son Returns” Written by Damon Lindelof & Tom Perrotta Directed by Mimi Leder Airs Sundays at 10pm EST on HBO “He’s never coming for us, is he?” Christine asks this to Tommy in regards to Wayne, but in a series that asks all the Big Questions by …

The Leftovers, Season 1, Episode 7, “Solace for Tired Feet” Written by Damon Lindelof & Jacqueline Hoyt Directed by Mimi Leder Airs Sundays at 10pm EST on HBO There’s finally a flow happening with this show. In previous reviews, I have discussed the many problems of The Leftovers I won’t delineate now. Slowly, however, they …

The Leftovers, Season 1, Episode 6, “Guest” Written by Damon Lindelof & Kath Lingenfelter Directed by Carl Franklin Airs Sundays at 10pm EST on HBO “I’d like to remain Nora Durst,” Nora (Carrie Coon) says toward the beginning “Guest,” and that perfectly sums it up. She will get a divorce, but she doesn’t want to …