This latest incarnation directed by David Fincher, follows in the footsteps of both Stieg Larsson’s wildly popular novel and the similarly popular 2009 Swedish-language version, directed by Niels Arden Oplev.
Fincher’s version brings the shock, action and scandal, but offers little more than its predecessors, with a few exceptions.
In “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) a wrongfully convicted, libelous journalist, and Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) are brought together when Blomkvist is asked to by wealthy benefactor, Vanger (Christopher Plummer), to solve the 40-year-old murder of his neice Harriet (Moa Garpendal/Joely Richardson).
Salander, a young ward of the state who has been deemed mentally unstable, but has a brilliant mind; is brought into the case first to run a background check on Blomkvist for Vagner, and again as a research assistant.
The story twists and turns, revealing more than a few corrupt systems, a family with many secrets and eventually the real person behind Harriet Vanger’s (Moa Garpendal/ Jolie Richardson) disappearance.
The film sticks with the stark, bleak monochromatic look of the original films; even if it does liven it up with a rock soundtrack at times.
Daniel Craig as Blomkvist, plays the part well. While it’s hard not to think of James Bond when watching Craig in any film. He steers suprisingly clear of 007′s bag of tricks, and keeps Blomkvist true to the book.
Of course, the real star of the story is the tattooed girl herself, who is brought to life by Rooney Mara. With her dark past and present, unethical tactics for “justice,” and off-putting appearance, Lisbeth is an easy heroine to hate. However, Ms. Mara’s portrayal of this disturbed young woman makes it hard not to love her (just a little bit). Despite, Lisbeth’s habit of emotionally distancing herself, Mara allows some glimpses into this untrusting character’s soul. It’s a complex and moving performance.
It also makes this dark and, at times, disturbing film worth seeing.
Fans of the book will enjoy it. While it strays a little from the original story, it does so for the sake of good story telling, and more importantly, still works.
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…just for fun: