David Fincher brings to life the first book in Stieg Larsson’s best-selling Millennium trilogy, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The film is touted as a direct adaptation of the book rather than a remake of the 2009 Swedish film of the same name directed by Niels Arden Oplev. The two films however share a similar feel and atmosphere with Fincher’s being the more stylish of the two.
The film, set in Sweden, has disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) recruited by Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) to solve a 40 year old mystery. Henrik’s niece Harriet disappeared from the island the family owns and he suspects that someone in the family murdered her. The investigation into her disappearance is the major story of the film, something I personally considered strange because of the title which is a bit misleading.
At the same time we are introduced to the title character herself, Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara). A pale, skinny, tattooed and pierced punk computer hacker. While Harriet’s mystery is unfolding, we get a glimpse into Lisbeth’s life, history and personality. It’s not until about an hour into the film that Mikael recruits Lisbeth as a researcher because the case develops into more than just a missing girl.
The main reason to watch this film is Rooney Mara as Lisbeth. She completely owns the part and commands the attention of the audience in every scene that she is in. Noomi Rapace who played Lisbeth in the Swedish film was much more commanding and confident. Not that this is a bad thing, she was still very captivating but Mara brings a vulnerability to the character which maker her all the more endearing.
David Fincher film is a triumph of craftsmanship over material. The films weakest element is the mystery story which isn’t very interesting and we are not given sufficient reason to care what the outcome will be. Take away Lisbeth Salander and the film becomes an almost 3 hour, very well polished episode of Cold Case.
The people not familiar with the books or the Swedish film will get the most out of this film. Someone who has already watched the film or read the book, like myself, will not feel the impact of the plot twists and the sometimes shocking scenes in the film. Overall it is a descent piece of filmmaking from Fincher with scenes cut to perfection and a haunting score that will keep you engrossed from start to finish.
Rating: 7/10