Just how persuasive a charming, brilliant, manipulative psychopath can be is ingeniously unveiled. The worst in people seems to be drawn out and exposed around this character type as they are manipulated into doing things they might otherwise never have considered. No one is left unscathed. The media looking for a salacious story; the police detectives hoping to exonerate themselves and outsmart the criminals; the family members trying to be protective; the gullible, love interests, whose buttons are so easy to push; and the well intentioned public easily lead along one story line after another with scraps of information. And then of course sheer stupidity allows the circumstances to play directly into the well laid plans. This psychopath has carefully assessed everyone’s character and weaknesses and manipulated each for the desired results. There are the rare occasions when the game goes the other way, but this creates even more disastrous results. Never corner or cross a psychopath.

The movie raises some disturbing questions about just how complicated relationships can get that develop between partners, husband and wife, lovers. (spoiler alert) This story, and it is just fiction, takes it to the extreme as it becomes apparent that Amy clearly fits the description of a psychopath. More disturbing is that the this personality disorder, although not a true medical diagnosis is commonly related to discussion of criminal behaviour. Psychopathic characters exists in varying degrees within the population. This is an especially alarming reality during the telling of this tale. We recognize the validity of each of the character’s concerns and how their weakness and character flaws. How they make choices that keep allowing them to be pushed down a path of no return. The challenges facing this couple and those entwined in their tale are somewhat commonplace. What pushes things over the edge and triggers a full blown psychopathic set of behaviours is rare and unsettling to witness.

If you haven’t seen Gone Girl, see it now.

Moira Romano