Gone Girl is one of my all-time favorite books and was a truly memorable reading experience for me. I was in bed with the flu, sicker than I’ve ever been, and I vividly remember just reading along, la la la, until the first twist happened and I suddenly went on high alert, all my senses feeling more alive than they had in days. I then raced through, trying to fight off my fatigue, because I couldn’t wait to see what happened. By the time I reached the final page, I was sweating and exhausted and spiking a fever.
Of course, that was probably because of the flu — but I do have very dramatic memories of reading that book.
So I had mixed feelings when I first heard they were making a movie of it. I am a big believer in the idea that not every book should be turned into a movie. In fact, most of them shouldn’t.
Gone Girl is a hard story to describe without giving away any of the plot so let me just tell you the basics. On the day of their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick discovers that his wife, Amy, is missing. There are signs of foul play, and Nick quickly becomes the prime suspect.
That’s all I’m going to say.
Gillian Flynn’s book is so well-written, so twisty turny nail-bitingly good, it just didn’t need to be messed with. What makes it such a unique and compelling reading experience is that we get to read Amy’s diaries and really get inside her head. The chapters alternate between Nick and Amy’s first-person narrations, so we feel like we know them intimately. And that’s what makes everything that happens so deliciously shocking.
Because the movie has to show us all of that rather than letting us use our imaginations, it definitely loses something.
Ben Affleck is not who I pictured as Nick but he does a good job even though, at this point, it’s hard to get past the fact that he’s Ben Affleck. Rosamund Pike, who has an especially juicy role in Amy, looks so much like Emily Van Camp that I had to keep reminding myself I was not watching Revenge.
All of that being said, director David Fincher has crafted this generation’s Fatal Attraction. It’s smart, thought-provoking and occasionally gasp-worthy.
It’s just not as good as the book.
I am pretty sure I will see the movie before I read the book, well, because I just found out that it was a book when I read this LOL. I do want to read it now, though.
I think I’ll read the book first and then check out the movie. Thanks for sharing, I’m always looking for something else to watch and read.
I had been wondering how the book compared! There are so many book movies out right now. Great for sales revenue too 😉
This sounds like something that I would like. I always, always read the book before I go to the movie. Somehow I just like it better that way.
I agree a 100% that some books should never be made into movies and other books I think I wish this was a movie! lol
Some books should never be made into a movie, but some they did A-OK on, like Harry Potter 🙂
I haven’t had the opportunity to read the book yet but I have heard from several it doesn’t compare to the book.
This is something to look forward to see next time too.
I had the same reaction to this book! I remember sitting it down quickly with a HOLY SHIT and then picking it right back again. Going back and forth to see if I had actually read it correctly. I haven’t seen the movie YET but I disagree about Ben Affleck I think he is the perfect Nick at least the way I pictured him in my head but I am a lover of dark haired men. Anyway, the movies are never as good as the books but I am still dying to see it.
I want to see the movie – I did not read the book. I have never found a movie as good as the book.
have this book on my “to read” list, and now I’m going to have to move it up so I can read it before the movie comes out!
Sorry you were not feeling well but glad you had a good book to get you through. This sounds like one I would like to read, I love when there is a mystery to them.
Your original review of Gone Girl was what found me reading into the wee hours. Thanks for the movie review too, I am not surprised by your response to it, I had the same reservations.
I was anxiously awaiting your review! I felt the same way about the book and so I was skeptical about the movie. As you say, the movie versions rarely do the book version justice.
You make me want to read the book!
I enjoyed the book, until the end. I may save the movie for an at home night. Thanks for saving me the $20! I’ll use it on wine.
I also loved the book and want to see the movie. Don’t you wish we could all go together?
You hear that a lot – that the movie is not as good as the book. It’s harder to keep up the amount of detail in the film version.
I haven’t read the book yet, but I sure do want to see the movie. It sounds GREAT!
I haven’t read the book yet, but I’m curious… I also love this line in your post: “Gillian Flynn’s book is so well-written, so twisty turny nail-bitingly good, it just didn’t need to be messed with.” 😉
The movie is never as good as the book… but I’m still continually intrigued by the interpretations that the movie represents. Your comparison (and the compelling way that you describe the book, in particular) makes me want to run out and buy the book right now! Thank you!
This book sounds really good and a real page turner for sure! I’ll be adding it to my never ending list!
I have never found a movie as good as the book. However, that doesn’t ever mean that the movie would be bad
I put off reading this book as long as possible (I’m cheap!) but I am reading it now. I want to see the movie but I do worry about it. I rarely find a movie after reading a book worthy of my time.
I always think the books are better!
I too loved the book. I may wait to see the movie till it comes out on Netflix.
Gone Girl was a great read, but the end made me want to punch someone. I won’t give away whether I did or not.
Oh I think I vaguely remember hearing about the movie. I really want to see this now.
So sorry you had the flu but now I want to read the book and see the movie. Thank you
It seems like the movies are never as good as the book to me. But I want to see it anyway! 🙂
I wanted to see this movie over the weekend. Now, I want to read the book first. LOL
This is not the first time I’ve heard that the movie isn’t as good as the book. I haven’t read the book and I’m currently contemplating whether or not to read it before I see the movie.
Most people who read the book first, never like the movie as much.
I’m always looking for a good book to read. Gone Girl sounds really interesting. I often don’t see the movies developed from movies. I’m always afraid it’ll ruin it for me.
The only time I can enjoy a movie after reading the book is when I convince myself that it is a different story. Then I don’t compare the two.
I read the book but it has been a few years back so I really am kind of struggling with the details in my mind. I know a lot of people loved that book and I thought it was…just ok. I am thinking I might just be one that likes the movie better.
Ok now you’ve made me really want to read this book! I tend to try to read books before seeing the movies usually because my kids don’t let me watch many movies, so I will try to read this first!
I have to say I googled the book ending because I couldn’t handle the suspense! I can’t wait to see the movie (and read the book).
Okay, that is hilarious!
They’re usually not as good as the book. It’s such a rare exception when they are… You make the movie sound like one def. worth going to see though!
Now you got my ears perked up. I’ve seen a few trailers but never paid attention. Might look again next time.
I heard the movie lacked A LOT! When it’s book versus movie- the book always prevails!
I also thought the actress was Emily VanCamp the whole time!! I was so impressed with her acting, lol…
Anyway, good to know I wasn’t the only one confused by the resemblance 🙂