The trailers look stupendous, as were Girl With Dragon Tattoo, but as one who read the book (and liked it for the most part) I can’t see it reaching the heights of the few thriller/mysteries that have an impact on the Academy, namely Silence of the Lambs. I mean before that film, most films of the genre didn’t make it past Saturday night Cinemax lineup. Now Se7en didn’t get any love from the Academy nor Zodiac either (both deserving IMO) so I wonder what will make this any different. For instance, the film Prisoners was released this time last year and was a very pretty, competent film as well. It had a high ranking on both Rottentomotoes and IMBD, was overlong and featured great cinematography. And in the end, that was all it was nominated for. I think the same will go for Gone Girl.

I talked with a source that has seen the film and even though he liked it a lot, he ranked it under those four Fincher classics I previously mentioned. In fact, he ranked it right next to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. He said the acting was credible but no one stood out. Nothing flashy, so all you who were banking on Rosomond Pike want want to change your bets. So there goes acting. Writing? I serious doubt in a field with so many adapted screenplays (Inherhent Vice, Unbroken, The Theory of Everything, Grand Budepest Hotel, American Sniper etc) that the first time screenplay writer who also wrote the book, scores a nomination. So what about Director? Again, a very tough race. Probably the tightest. Fincher has been nomed a few times and hasn’t won, but those were for more serious films. Not a pulpy twisty thriller. Picture? Maybe it can sneak in if the field goes to 9 or 10, but then what can it win? Well my source who has seen it puts the best bet on Score, surprise surprise. He also said it could nab a cinematography nom which is also a standard for Ficher films and like with Prisoners last year, I could call just from the beautiful trailers. So that’s what I’m putting my money on. 2 maybe 3 noms. We should have a better idea after it screens, but also remember it also has to sustain over 4 months of buzz until the nominations all the while great looking films are slated to be released every weekend. I\’m sorry but ever since this film was put in the front runner pile sight unseen, I’ve had my doubts.