Gone Girl & The Femme Fatale=Feminism?

Tentative Outline

-First paragraph synopsis of the film (the tumultuous relationship between Amy and Nick, and how Amy’s disappearance uncovers what appears to be the reality of their marriage).

-Second paragraph how it turns the genre on its head. In this part talk about the definition of femme fatale, and how in this film it has been in a sense contrasted with the concept of feminism, due to the fact that Amy is mostly in control of the relationship and is looking to even out the unfair situation with her husband being unfaithful, yet it turns its axis because the male counterpart actually holds a similar if not equal power grip over Amy, in a sense revealing how the femme fatale might not be in this case feminism per se. Also, how the trope of the cheating husband is used to incriminate Nick in a deeper level and worsen his image of a human who makes mistakes for the evil representation of everything that is wrong with married, uncaring men.

-Third paragraph could be about the scene of the last clue (the shed) and what is hidden behind its door, which helps increase the rising action of the film, and brings the big reveal the audience might not have been expecting (talk about lighting, dark, placement, kind of secluded, etc). In addition, aside from the setting of the shed, time can be mentioned as an invisible character embodied in the calendar, clocks, pregnancy test, among others, to demonstrate how timing is very important for the whole revenge plan Amy has to follow, and how with time the brainwashing of the town and eventually America takes place.

-Fourth paragraph could be another pivotal scene. When Amy kills her high school boyfriend because of all the love she has for Nick, and her new plan to turn this high school sweetheart into the villain, instead of Nick, turning the perspective once again of the story, showing how she might have the power to change the “truth”, but knowing that behind this decision of framing someone else, Nick is controlling her to do so. I can talk about how the soundtrack gives that grimy sound and how enhanced the sounds of cutting, harsh breathing and strangling make the scene more vibrant and twisted, as well as how the different transitions in the editing process make it feel like there is a lot happening during that short sequence for the audience as well as for the characters.

-Fifth paragraph could be about important plot devices that carry the film and engage the audience’s attention such as the diary, the insurance policy, the infidelity, and of course the treasure hunt.