It is hard to remember amazing movies can come from big budget studios, especially with the mediocre roster of films that have been recently released.

“Gone Girl” (Rated R; 149 min) is a helpful reminder that the studio system can make a brilliant movie.

“Gone Girl” is directed by David Fincher and stars Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike and Neil Patrick Harris.

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Amy and Nick Dunne are the typical all-American couple. They live in a small town mansion in Missouri and are expected to live happily ever after. But the moment Amy disappears, everything starts to change. Nick finds himself under a spotlight held by his neighbors and the media. Things come to light, and nothing is ever what it seems.

There are certain directors who can do no wrong.

While this statement may seem a little subjective, it is true that certain directors seem to hit gold every time.

A great example of this kind of director is David Fincher.

While Fincher started his career kind of rocky, “Alien 3” not being the greatest film in the world, but by all accounts that was out of his control.

Since then, the man has been a creative powerhouse. Every film he makes has a Fincher style to it— unique and thought provoking. His psychological thrillers will always creep you out in ways you never though imaginable. No one can do what he does.

“Gone Girl” is frightening. It is more frightening than any mainstream horror flick released this year and likely more frightening than any that will come out this year.

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Fincher creates a realistic world inside of his viewpoint. Even when it gets down to its most unrealistic levels of perverseness, the film always seems grounded and pulled straight from a real life experience.

This is evident in the film’s portrayal of the media. This movie never makes a parody or a satire of the news media’s coverage/witch hunt of Nick Dunn (Affleck), and his missing wife Amy (Pike). While a lot of the dark humor of the film comes from the Nancy Grace look-a-likes, it is never played as a joke.

It is almost like we are given an inside view into them, and that is it. They are the background noise of the film. Very few reporters and personalities become actual characters in the movie. Yet, a lot of the tension comes because of them.

This movie has a twist right in the middle that is down right sickening, but again, in a good way. To hint at what it is would be film critic blasphemy. Just know this: the moment it happens, no matter who you are, you will be on the edge of your seat.

The characters are phenomenal. This seems to be one-half writing and one-half acting. Both Affleck and Pike should be highly commemorated for their acting in this film. They stay true to their characters while bringing a lot of unscripted personality to their character.

The writing helps set up the background and nature of these characters. Many things are left in the background, but for good reason. The script trusts its audience is intelligent with off-hand dialogue, which brings subtle characterization.

Are you still honestly reading this article? Go see this movie right now. Honestly, there is nothing you could be doing that would outrank seeing this movie. It is virtually flawless and is a high mark for the year.

Jacob Pierce can be reached at jpierce@dailyegyptian, on Twitter @JacobPierce1_DE or at 536-3311 ext. 273