Giddy anticipation meets dark vibe at 'Gone Girl' screening

Lightning flares in the brooding storm clouds collecting south of Wehrenberg Cape West 14 Cine. No doubt it's another meticulously orchestrated David Fincher ploy; it's too apt of a setting for the special premiere of "Gone Girl," the movie whose darkness Cape Girardeau residents have been waiting to savor since filming wrapped up last fall.

Upbeat moviegoers enter the theater, some in formal attire, others in golf shorts, but all upon the red carpet brought in for the occasion. They file past photographers from various media outlets. Mayor Harry Rediger poses with former mayors Jay Knudtson and Al Spradling in front of one of the two media walls.

6:32 p.m.

Despite the rain lashing down outside, the excitement continues to build in the moviehouse. Jim Dufek, professor of film at Southeast Missouri State University and member of the film crew's coordinating team, stands near a television set that shows author Gillian Flynn, star Ben Affleck and director David Fincher graciously thanking the good people of Cape Girardeau. They comment on how helpful and enthusiastic those involved were. Cape resident Zach St. Cin stands wearing a homemade "Find Amazing Amy" badge; he was an extra in the film. He says his memory of filming is basically eight hours of standing on a sidewalk watching Affleck drive back and forth, but the way he beams while recounting seems a testament to that local enthusiasm.

"It might be 30 seconds," he said. "If I see myself, great. If not, it's not a big deal. It's about being here."

A couple get their picture taken in front of the "Gone Girl" backdrop at the Thursday premiere. (Laura Simon)

6:45 p.m.

Carolyn Sandgren-Kempf and her son, Levi, eagerly anticipate seeing Levi shaking Affleck's hand in the Common Pleas courthouse scene.

"He shot from 5 p.m. to 3 or 4 in the morning on a school night," she says. "Made $68."

Cape Resident Norm Bauer, on the other hand, was not in the movie. He said he would not even be here if his friend weren't in the film.

"I'm here for him. He goes to my church," he says, furrowing his moustache slightly. "These types of movies aren't really my cup of tea."

Stephanie Lynch battles the rain on her way to the premiere of "Gone Girl" at Cape West 14 Cine in Cape Girardeau Thursday evening. (GLENN LANDBERG)

6:57 p.m.

The auditorium, one of the moviehouse's nine rooms screening the movie Thursday night, is already packed. Chuck Martin, executive director of the Cape Girardeau CVB and Mayor Rediger address the audience, thanking all involved in the process and warning viewers when to spot the pair's cameo.

7:23 p.m.

Opening credits roll. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' hollow, ethereal score murmurs to the surface as initial shots flash numerous local scenes. A nameless downtown alley receives what is presumably its first-ever ovation as Cape residents vent their giddiness and settle in. Throughout the film, people hoot when they see themselves onscreen.

10 p.m.

Ticket holders arrive to Cape West 14 Cine in Cape Girardeau for the premier of 'Gone Girl', Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014. (Laura Simon)

Closing credits roll. The great majority of the audience watches them, apparently reluctant to be done just yet. The movie was billed as 145 minutes of plumbing the muddy depths of a twisted romance. It did not disappoint. But for some like Antonio St. James, the experience was doubly satisfying. Antonio and his mother, Cecilia Eiland, were able to see his speaking role in the movie for the first time. He plays a security guard.

"It was awesome," St. James said. "I loved it. The ending was epic."

"I am so proud of him," Eiland adds, patting her son on the arm.

Viewers begin to leave, digesting the deeply disturbing narrative they just witnessed. In the parking lot, the storm continues to pound down.

tgraef@semissourian.com

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