Kirsten Dunst and Ryan Gosling in "All Good Things"

All Good Things Come to An End

Kirsten Dunst (“Spider Man 3” 2007) and Ryan Gosling (“The Notebook” 2004) make for a perfect, yet unsettling on-screen couple in this love story and murder mystery. Based on true events, “All Good Things” reinvents one of the most notorious unsolved missing person cases in New York history. This docudrama follows the disturbing life of Robert Durst, a New York City real estate heir, whose wife, Kathie, went missing in 1982. Durst was suspected for his wife’s murder but never tried. Throughout this film we are taken on a wild ride of love, obsession and secrecy.

It is the middle of the night on a long bridge. We peer through from the back seat of an SUV only to see the back of a mystery person’s head driving while we listen to a voiceover of one of David Marks’ (Gosling) counselor sessions. Suddenly, we jump to present day while David reminisces about his happy childhood in the suburbs, which specifically included his mother.

It is 1971 in New York City. David is standing outside Katie’s (Dunst) apartment door in a suit and bowtie. He proceeds to chat with Katie while he tries to fix the plumbing problem with her kitchen sink. He continually asks questions that a person trying to get to know another would ask someone such as, “where did you move from” and “when did you move?” The puzzling part about this scene is that they act as though they already know each other. Subsequently, they show up to David’s father’s gala event dressed in their best, walking in as a couple as if they’ve known each other for years. His father, however, has never met Katie.

Before we know it, Katie and David get hitched and move to a rural area in Vermont where they decide to open a health food store called, “All Good Things.” David’s father (Frank Langella, “Wall Street Money Never Sleeps” 2010) insists that the life they’re living isn’t the life Katie deserves so David reluctantly takes his father up on his offer to work for him in the family real estate business. After a short time in the family biz, David surprises Katie with a beautiful new home. Katie is ecstatic and while sitting out on the porch that evening she begins to talk about their future together. Once the talk of kids comes up David gets silent. A now worried Katie persistently asks him point blank if he wants to have children. David finally says, “I’m not having them.” Katie is completely distraught at this point, “Is there something wrong with you?” David unexpectedly responds, “Yeah, there is something wrong with me,” as he walks away. His statement becomes clearly evident from this point on. This is the turning point when Katie, having thought she married the perfect man is suddenly realizing she doesn’t know him at all.

Throughout the film, we are thrown back and forth among flashbacks along with the constant narration of David’s trial during present day. There are several suspenseful, simultaneous scenes that certainly shock audiences. This juicy, tabloid-ready story becomes frustrating, however. After a while, the flashbacks and character roles start to throw so many curve balls that audiences may struggle to catch up. We are given plenty of information on what may have happened, but not much on why. Gosling’s unexpected and creepy aura keeps your eyes glued to the screen. You never know what else he has up his sleeve. As David’s life story continues to unfold the film becomes more and more unsettling.

Director and producer, Andrew Jarecki, uses light and camera angle to its fullest potential in this film. Even if you don’t think Gosling could make things any more disturbing – Jarecki’s techniques certainly add to the eeriness. It is clear that his editing is also carefully arranged, especially in flashbacks and during the climax. He shows just enough for the audience to be clued in but doesn’t waste anymore time. This forces audiences to draw their own conclusions as they are constantly processing new clues. Jarecki is most known for his documentaries and short films like, “Capturing the Friedmans” (2003), “Just a Clown" (2004) and most recently “Catfish” (2010).

Perhaps the title is a purposeful contradiction? On the other hand, the well-known phrase “All good things must come to an end” may have something to do with it as well. Although, is there really an end? This case still remains a mystery. Audiences are forced to draw their own conclusions yet again with the title.

Bottom Line? “All Good Things” is not what you’d consider an uplifting film. This is a very intriguing film, however, certainly keeping you on the edge of your seat wanting more. Wonderful performances by both Dunst and Gosling are also major bonuses.

Jessica Aymond © December 25, 2010