Count on Gone Girl
Classic Revenge Never Goes Out of Style
Gone Girl exploded at the box office in 2014 after Gillian Flynn's thrilling novel shook readers a few years earlier. It's a story of love gone wrong and how far one will go to exact revenge on lovers who wronged them.
Gone Girl tells of Nick Dunn and his wife Amy, a young couple who relocated from sparkling New York City to a small town in Missouri. They live a quiet life, a nice life, in a nice house, and everything seems to be fine until the day Amy disappears. At first, it looks to be a mystery, or possibly murder, and Nick appears to be the primary suspect. The national media gets involved as the police begin to discover overwhelming evidence that Nick Dunn did it, that he killed his wife. The motives begin to mount: the credit card debt, the cleaning of the crime scene, the pregnancy, and the college-age mistress. Yes, it looks like Nick did it. There's almost no doubt about it. It's always the husband. He killed her, and on their anniversary of all days. He's going to fry. Then, things take a sharp turn as we learn that Amy isn't missing at all, but rather laying low at a roadside motel while she walks us through all the carefully planned steps it took to frame her husband for her murder. She tells us why she did it, what Nick did to lose her love, and ultimately cause her to execute this elaborate ruse.
Scorned love can be a strong motive for revenge, and Gong Girl is a must-see thriller for anyone who's been hurt before. But, this story that's filled with elaborate plotting in pursuit of revenge is nothing new. In 1844, Alexander Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo set the standard for revenge thrillers. It follows young Edmond Dantes from sailor, to prison, to eventual aristocracy, as he seeks revenge on those who put him behind bars.
Edmond suffered greatly in the Chateau d'If prison. He'd been beaten past the point of belief in anything other than his revenge. After a series of miraculous events, he finds himself free and in possession of a great fortune. He uses this newfound wealth to set in motion a series of occurrences to get back at those who caused him so much suffering.
Mercedes was his love interest before he was imprisoned, and though she wasn't responsible for his incarceration, she still betrayed him, in his eyes at least. She married his best friend and betrayer shortly after he was sent away, and for that, he wants her to suffer.
If you enjoyed Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and the elaborate steps taken to exact revenge, then you will surely enjoy the 2002 film The Count of Monte Cristo, based on the book of the same name. Yes, there are earlier versions of this film, many of them in fact. But I believe the latest version to be the best complement to Flynn's modern psychological thriller.
Both of these films perfectly portray the fantasies for revenge scorned lovers have for those who did them wrong, no matter which century you lived, sex you claim, or continent you reside in. Because of this unique commonality, both films are perfect for anyone who has ever been in love or has ever fallen out of love due to unforeseen or unfortunate circumstances.
As far as Gone Girl and The Count of Monte Cristo go, I can't think of a better "if you like this, you love that" pick of two films that are so very different in almost every way imaginable, yet complement one another so perfectly.
About the Creator
J Gatz
Check out my new novel: Travel Fuc* Love, A True American Love Story
Book Review: "The Queen" by Andrew Morton
You're probably wondering why on earth I would read this book. It was free and it was a fair length. That was basically it at first. But another reason is because I enjoyed the show The Crown and so, it only makes sense to read a book that goes through separating facts from fictions - and to be fair, there aren't a lot of fictions about the show it seems. From the birth of the little princess and the way in which her father was reluctantly to become the king, all the way to meeting and marrying the veteran prince, Duke of Edinburgh and even down to the death of her father, queendom and beyond, this book actually gives us a lot about a woman who basically embodied the greatness and modernisation of the British 20th Century.
By Annie Kapur7 days ago in Geeks
Sheridan Smith: From Sitcom Star to One of Britain’s Most Respected Performers
In the landscape of British television and theatre, few performers have shown the versatility, charisma, and emotional depth of Sheridan Smith. Rising to fame in the early 2000s as a bubbly sitcom actress, Smith has since transformed herself into one of Britain’s most respected performers, seamlessly navigating the worlds of comedy, drama, stage, and music. Her career trajectory is not just a story of talent; it is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the ability to continually reinvent oneself. Early Beginnings and Sitcom Stardom Born in Epworth, Lincolnshire, in 1981, Sheridan Smith’s journey to stardom began at a young age. Her natural comedic timing and magnetic presence quickly caught the attention of casting directors. Her early career saw her appearing in British television comedies such as “Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps” and “Gavin & Stacey,” where her performances were characterized by both humor and relatability. In these sitcoms, Smith demonstrated an innate ability to balance charm, wit, and vulnerability — qualities that made her stand out among her peers. Viewers instantly connected with her, and her performances garnered both popular appeal and critical notice. Breaking the Sitcom Mold While comedy brought Smith into the public eye, she refused to be pigeonholed as just a sitcom star. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, she began taking on more dramatic roles, showcasing a depth that surprised audiences accustomed to her comedic persona. A turning point came with her performances in drama series such as “Mrs Biggs,” where she portrayed the wife of the infamous British criminal Ronnie Biggs. Critics praised her ability to convey complex emotional states, moving seamlessly between moments of strength, vulnerability, and heartbreak. It was in this role that Smith truly began to establish herself as a serious actor capable of handling nuanced, challenging material. Theatre and Stage Triumphs Sheridan Smith’s impact is not limited to television. On stage, she has delivered performances that have cemented her reputation as one of Britain’s finest theatrical talents. Her work in musicals such as “Legally Blonde” and “Funny Girl” has earned her multiple awards, including Olivier Awards, which are among the highest accolades in British theatre. Her portrayal of Fanny Brice in “Funny Girl” was widely acclaimed, with critics highlighting her ability to combine powerful vocals, emotional vulnerability, and comedic timing. Smith’s dedication to her craft was evident in her willingness to tackle vocally demanding roles while bringing authenticity and depth to her characters. The stage allowed her to demonstrate a range and resilience that many television roles could not, proving that Sheridan Smith was not just a screen presence but a complete performer with the ability to captivate live audiences. Music: A Natural Extension of Her Talent In addition to acting, Sheridan Smith has made a significant mark in music. Her albums, including “Sheridan” and “A Northern Soul,” highlight her powerful vocal abilities and her sensitivity as a performer. Music has provided another avenue for Smith to connect with her audience, allowing her to express emotion in ways that complement her acting work. Critics have noted that her musical performances are not just technically impressive but emotionally compelling, with Smith able to convey nuance, storytelling, and depth — skills that carry over from her work on screen and stage. Critical Recognition and Awards Smith’s journey from sitcom star to acclaimed performer has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations. Among her accolades are BAFTA nominations, Olivier Awards, and recognition from the Royal Television Society. These honors underscore her ability to transcend genres, proving that she is not just a popular entertainer but a performer respected by peers and critics alike. Her work continues to demonstrate that comedy and drama are not mutually exclusive, and that a performer can navigate multiple genres with authenticity and skill. Overcoming Challenges Behind the glamour of success, Sheridan Smith has faced personal and professional challenges. She has been candid about struggles with mental health and the pressures of public life, making her achievements even more inspiring. Smith’s openness about her personal journey has resonated with audiences, helping her connect on a human level and showing that resilience and vulnerability can coexist in a successful career. Her experiences reflect the reality of many performers who must balance the demands of the entertainment industry with personal well-being — and Smith has done so with courage and transparency. A Role Model for Versatility Sheridan Smith’s career trajectory serves as a powerful example for aspiring performers. Her willingness to take risks, to move from comedy to drama, from screen to stage, and from acting to music, demonstrates the value of versatility in an entertainment landscape that often typecasts talent. Smith has shown that success is not just about talent but also about adaptability, courage, and relentless dedication to craft. For young actors and performers, her story is a roadmap for breaking barriers and expanding creative horizons. Looking Ahead At 44, Sheridan Smith continues to take on challenging roles that push the boundaries of her artistry. From critically acclaimed drama series to ambitious stage productions and heartfelt musical performances, she remains a dynamic and influential figure in British entertainment. Her journey from sitcom star to one of Britain’s most respected performers underscores a timeless truth: true talent transcends genre, medium, and expectation. Sheridan Smith is not just a performer; she is an artist whose career inspires admiration, respect, and, above all, a belief in the power of reinvention. Final Thoughts Sheridan Smith’s rise from the cheeky, lovable sitcom characters of her early career to the critically acclaimed roles of today illustrates the power of versatility, resilience, and dedication. Whether commanding the stage in a musical, delivering nuanced performances in television drama, or captivating audiences with her music, she continues to redefine what it means to be a performer in modern Britain. Her story is a reminder that success in entertainment is not a straight path; it is a journey of growth, risk, and reinvention — a journey Sheridan Smith navigates with skill, grace, and undeniable talent
By Muhammad Hassana day ago in Geeks
The Blue Ridge Stalker
Tom had left the Ford down the way, its spark plugs finally exhausted and no mechanics for a dozen miles back through the foothills to Strossburg. No matter, he had worn his boots—almost as if he planned for this to happen. The puzzle he sought to solve emanated from the woods clinging to the slopes above; the valley behind held no mysteries.
By Stephen A. Roddewig4 days ago in Fiction
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