Adapting a mega-selling novel is always tricky, as screenwriters must figure out a way to keep the book's fans happy while transforming the material into a shape that works on the big screen for both newcomers and fans alike. In this sense, the most difficult genre to adapt has to be the mystery-thriller, which is probably why filmmaker David Fincher turned to novelist Gillian Flynn to write the screenplay from her own book 'Gone Girl'.

Ben Affleck in Gone Girl
Ben Affleck plays Nick Dunne in the movie adaptation of Gillian Flynn's novel.

The challenge is much greater than those who adapt sagas like 'Harry Potter', 'The Hunger Games', 'Twilight' or 'The Lord of the Rings', where the principle joy is in seeing beloved characters and events depicted on-screen with no surprises at all. But with a mystery, the movie must also grip the viewer.

More: Watch the trailer for 'Gone Girl'

So the key question was whether or not Flynn would change the story to make watching it a new experience for those who have read the book. In this case, no: the film is a faithful adaptation, catching every twist and turn from the novel, including the major tonal shifts as the key question changes from "What-happened?" into "How will this possibly end?"

More: Read the review for 'Gone Girl'

'Gone Girl' readers may find this a bit frustrating, as the surprises they felt in the book are no longer shocking. But this is where a solid director like Fincher comes in, bringing the characters to life with surprising new textures. So if pre-existing fans can't enjoy the rollercoaster plot because they know where it's heading, they can be thoroughly entertained by seeing the characters come to life in the hands of a skilled filmmaker and strong, revelatory performances from Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike.

More: 'Gone Girl' Has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes