"A fantastic read with a gripping plot that rivals Hitchcock—impossible to put down. This moving story dives into the darkest corners of the human heart, giving you goosebumps and keeping your pulse racing until the very last page."
— People
"A meticulously crafted masterpiece that explores themes of life, love, loss, and guilt, while also being an utterly captivating work of art. The great Dunn Walker, beyond his grand directorial talent, delivers a thrilling literary experience."
— The New Yorker
"This book constantly peels back layers of truth while cleverly setting up twist after twist. Ella Fisher's sharp wit brings today's cultural quirks to life. With its intricate structure and elaborate storytelling, it's hard to let go of. In short, this book is a blast."
— New York Daily News
"'How did things get so messed up?' The answer lies in Dunn Walker and Ella Fisher's latest collaboration. When two people tie the knot but one can't figure out who's really lying next to them, what kind of chaos unfolds? Gone Girl gives you a glimpse."
— USA Today
"Heavy-hitters will love the mind games in Gone Girl. In Hollywood director Dunn's suspense-packed new release, a shaky marriage turns into a full-on thriller. This book's buzz isn't just about Dunn's fame—it's the wild, rollercoaster story inside."
— The New York Times
…
Gold always shines through.
Gone Girl barely needed any promotion before it became a hot topic across major media book channels, outshining even the Harry Potter series in hype.
Harry Potter is just lightweight kids' stuff, written by a Brit whose style doesn't quite match American tastes. Gone Girl, on the other hand, is pure, home-grown American.
While Spider-Man DVDs were flying off shelves nationwide, Gone Girl took the country by storm in much the same way.
On The New York Times bestseller list, Gone Girl quietly broke into the top ten, landing at number four—right behind Jim Grace's Death, Philip Roth's The Human Stain, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Dunn even had to keep a stack of signed copies in his office to hand out to visiting friends and VIPs.
Sometimes, he couldn't help but grumble, "These guys—showing up for the tiniest things. Are they just here for the book?"
The famous Oprah Winfrey Show sent multiple invites, but Dunn wasn't interested and passed the gig to Ella Fisher.
Movies need hype—that's the entertainment game.
Books, though, are about culture. It's all about reputation and quality. Dunn didn't want to rely on fan hype to sell copies—he had some standards, after all.
…
Awards season has arrived.
This year's Oscars are set for March 24.
But results from other major U.S. awards are already rolling in one by one.
The prestigious New York Film Critics Circle Awards, one of the top three critics' awards in the U.S., is a key Oscar predictor.
Last year, Dunn Pictures scored nominations for three films: Girl, Interrupted, Memento, and Traffic. (Traffic had a limited four-theater run in December 2000, so even though it hit wide release in 2001, it counts as a 2000 film.)
Dunn usually wouldn't bother with an event like this, but Natalie wouldn't let it go. She begged him to go with her, no matter what.
Her standout performance in Girl, Interrupted had her name buzzing—she might just snag Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars.
Plus, her family's from New York, and the New York Film Critics Circle would likely give her a little extra love and hand her the award!
This could be her first big win in her acting career!
Dunn had to share this moment with her!
With such a grand excuse, Dunn couldn't say no.
Since Dunn was going, the main crews from Girl, Interrupted, Memento, and Traffic had to "tag along" too.
The ceremony was simple, low on commercial vibes, and had fewer categories than the Oscars.
In the end, Dunn Pictures cleaned up!
The biggest winner was Traffic—a project 20th Century Fox had dumped but Bill Mechanic stubbornly brought to Dunn Pictures.
That night, Steven Soderbergh took home Best Picture for Traffic and beat out Girl, Interrupted's Sam Mendes and Cast Away's Robert Zemeckis to win Best Director!
Benicio Del Toro, also from Traffic, nabbed Best Supporting Actor with ease.
Best Screenplay went to You Can Count on Me, and Tom Hanks won Best Actor for Cast Away.
As for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress… it felt like a repeat of last year's Cannes!
Nicole Kidman and Natalie Portman walked away hand in hand once again!
For Nicole, this award was nice but no big deal—she'd already won a Golden Globe and didn't care much for this second-tier prize.
But for Natalie, it was different. She gave a long, heartfelt speech, her pretty face glowing with excitement.
Stepping off the stage, Dunn gave her a gentle hug. "Congrats!"
"Thanks!"
Natalie flashed a sweet smile, chin up, beaming with pride.
Dunn leaned in, whispering, "Be honest—did you… get a heads-up you'd win?"
"Huh?"
Natalie's cheeks flushed as she pouted and glared at him.
Dunn chuckled. "I've heard with these smaller awards, they tip off the agents so winners show up. Judging by your face… I'm guessing I'm right."
"My face?" Natalie huffed, lips pursed. "Yeah, fine, my agent told me. So what? It's not the Oscars or the Golden Globes. Why would I get all dressed up and show up just to clap for someone else? Didn't you notice the other nominees didn't even bother coming?"
"Then just tell me straight up!"
"I wanted to surprise you!"
Dunn held her hand, grinning. "Okay, surprise it is—definitely a surprise! But… I think the real shocker's still coming."
Natalie's eyes sparkled—she knew what he meant—and her cheeks turned an adorable shade of pink.
Nicole Kidman winning Best Actress at the Oscars for Girl, Interrupted? Tough odds. Not because she wasn't great, but the competition—Laura Linney in You Can Count on Me and Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich—had breakout performances too.
Best Supporting Actress, though?
Even setting aside personal bias, Natalie Portman was honestly phenomenal!
Plus, she's Jewish. With some maneuvering in Jewish circles, and Dunn paying a visit to Francis Coppola for Italian support…
Add in Dunn's ties to the Aussie, British, and French entertainment scenes, and a little networking…
It's starting to look like the big prize is already in the bag!
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