About a year and a half ago, I read the book Gone Girl. It was a book club book, and I downloaded it before I left on my trip to Portugal. While I don't tend to read a lot when I'm traveling (there is just too much to see and do), it rained and rained and rained, so I read a lot more than I normally would have. And really, I could not put the book down. Gone Girl - a little bit love story, murder mystery, and suspenseful thriller - is quite clever and takes twists and turns never expected. By the time the book was over I both loved and hated, commiserated and despised the two main characters. And I hate to say too much more than that in case you've not read it yet, because it would be a shame to spoil such a fun read.
Because I enjoyed this book so much, I was thrilled to see it was being made into a movie earlier this year. I was excited to see Hollywood's take on the movie, even though I'm usually disappointed. But for this film, the author also wrote the screenplay and David Fincher (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - US Version) directed it, so there was a chance it would be good. The previews began a couple of months ago, and remembering how crazy the book is, I got almost giddy when I saw them.
Finally, after months of anticipation, Gone Girl opened this weekend to decent reviews, and I got to go see it. My first reaction? It was well done, and I don't think once I was irritated about how the book was handled (and that's rare when it comes to books made into movies). The actors chosen played their characters well, and the screenplay was fairly true to the book. I read an article earlier today that contrasted the book with the movie. The differences were minute - when turning 450 pages into 150 minutes something is bound to be left out, but overall it followed the story quite well. But that is why I think I'm a bit indifferent about the film. This book threw a lot of curveballs at the reader. I had formed opinions about characters and situations that were completely turned on their head from one chapter to the next. I spent many moments gasping about this book across Portugal on trains, buses and airplanes. And in the movie I KNEW THEY WERE COMING! Someone who hasn't read the book yet would probably enjoy the movie very much. It was very comprehensive and the twists and turns were all there. Knowing all the twists and turns made it a little less exciting the second time around.
With that being said, I'm glad I saw it. The story is cra-cra and that was done flawlessly in the movie. I wonder if I'll ever think a Hollywood movie based on a book is WONDERFUL. Probably not, but this one is probably the closest they've come.
I doubt I'd get past the title of the book. It would scream Chick Lit to me. cra-cra. the nearest I can get on google is crazy ?. Is it in the vein of TGWTDT. Those books were written with a dark winter feel. And far darker that even we get here. If it's like the Steig Larson I'd really like both the book and the film.
Oh no, not chick-lit at all. It's hard to really compare it to the Steig books as it's definitely a different subject matter about a missing woman...well, I guess TGWTDT also had a missing woman with lots of twists and turns. So maybe similar in that respect, but a different tone. It's hard to explain beyond that premise without giving it all away. But definitely not chick-lit. Yah, cra cra - KRAZY with a capital K! By the end you realize they're all nuts, but it makes for a good read. I hope you try it! Or maybe just wait for the movie as it's so similar. :)
I can't wait to see it. I almost skipped this post to read after I see it, but may I just say that you did an excellent job reviewing the movie with nary a spoiling hint. Well done!!!
Why thank you! It's almost too hard to talk about without telling what happened, so instead all I can say is...it's a great book! :) Did you read the book? I was talking with a friend who read it and then saw the movie this weekend too. I bet someone who hadn't read it yet would think the movie was excellent, albeit crazy.
No, but wouldn't that be fun?!?! The only films I know of at the Hollywood Bowl are the Grease and Sound of Music sing-a-longs. The sound is good there, so I'm not sure why they wouldn't. It may not be cost effective because it's such a large place and they have to hire event staff due to its size...but I'm only speculating. The Hollywood Cemetery shows movies out on the lawn once or twice a month. They aren't new films, but supposedly it's a good time.
I will have to read it before the dvd comes out...I usually read, read, read all summer but that was out this summer....so hopefully Xmas break will be relaxing :) I miss Grandma J's weekly movie reviews!
i totally understand what you mean about not being surprised.. but I'm sure the majority of movie goers have not read the book.. I made sure my husband finished the book before the movie came out so when we go this weekend we are both on the same page..
I doubt I'd get past the title of the book. It would scream Chick Lit to me.
ReplyDeletecra-cra. the nearest I can get on google is crazy ?.
Is it in the vein of TGWTDT. Those books were written with a dark winter feel. And far darker that even we get here. If it's like the Steig Larson I'd really like both the book and the film.
Oh no, not chick-lit at all. It's hard to really compare it to the Steig books as it's definitely a different subject matter about a missing woman...well, I guess TGWTDT also had a missing woman with lots of twists and turns. So maybe similar in that respect, but a different tone. It's hard to explain beyond that premise without giving it all away. But definitely not chick-lit. Yah, cra cra - KRAZY with a capital K! By the end you realize they're all nuts, but it makes for a good read. I hope you try it! Or maybe just wait for the movie as it's so similar. :)
DeleteI can't wait to see it. I almost skipped this post to read after I see it, but may I just say that you did an excellent job reviewing the movie with nary a spoiling hint. Well done!!!
DeleteWhy thank you! It's almost too hard to talk about without telling what happened, so instead all I can say is...it's a great book! :) Did you read the book? I was talking with a friend who read it and then saw the movie this weekend too. I bet someone who hadn't read it yet would think the movie was excellent, albeit crazy.
DeleteYou know that natural amphitheater where you can see the Hollywood sign. Do they ever screen the new stuff free up there.
ReplyDeleteNo, but wouldn't that be fun?!?! The only films I know of at the Hollywood Bowl are the Grease and Sound of Music sing-a-longs. The sound is good there, so I'm not sure why they wouldn't. It may not be cost effective because it's such a large place and they have to hire event staff due to its size...but I'm only speculating.
DeleteThe Hollywood Cemetery shows movies out on the lawn once or twice a month. They aren't new films, but supposedly it's a good time.
I will have to read it before the dvd comes out...I usually read, read, read all summer but that was out this summer....so hopefully Xmas break will be relaxing :)
ReplyDeleteI miss Grandma J's weekly movie reviews!
i totally understand what you mean about not being surprised.. but I'm sure the majority of movie goers have not read the book.. I made sure my husband finished the book before the movie came out so when we go this weekend we are both on the same page..
ReplyDelete