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The question rolling around in the back of many
heads all year, including my own, was can Rooney
Mara pull it off? Can she bring the same intensity
to the character of Lisbeth Salander that Noomi
Rapace did in the original Swedish film; The Girl
with the Dragon Tattoo. The only way this American
version directed by David Fincher is going to
succeed is if Rooney delivers. Luckily for all
of us she does just that. The film as a whole
has some faults but you can’t blame that
on Mara. She did her part.
The story revolves around a journalist, Mikael
Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) hired by a wealthy industrialist
(Christopher Plummer) to help solve the mysterious
disappearance of a young woman that took place
40 years ago. Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) is
a 24 year old computer hacker who has been a ward
of the state since she was a teenager. Lisbeth
is moody, eccentric, angry, and quite brilliant.
Her own life is shadowed in mystery and to say
she has suffered is an understatement. Blomkvist
takes her on as an aid in his investigative journey.
Together they begin to unravel clues that lead
them to a dark world of family intrigue, secrets,
and possibly murder.
Based on the novel by Stieg Larsson this version
follows pretty close to the Swedish film except
it has more familiar faces and no subtitles. Hollywood
understands its customers. Most want to watch
a movie not read it. Thankfully they brought in
Steven Zaillian to write the screenplay since
his list of credentials is as solid as any person
in the biz. David Fincher as director was a grand
choice too. This movie needed someone able to
deliver the raw edge without it becoming sensationalized
or gratuitous; all the while keeping the volatile
under current.
Craig has done little to brag about since 2006’s
Casino Royale. This will be the very role needed
to get him some accolades. He does a near perfect
job in this one. He is believable as the journalist
on the brink of losing everything. His face conveys
a lot of what Mikael would be feeling. With all
these elements in place the success of the film
rested squarely on the shoulders of Mara. Those
who loved the Swedish films will accept nothing
but perfection from her. Add to that the fans
of the books and the expectations sky rocket.
Rest assured that Mara gave it all in this performance
and will more than likely get notice from Oscar
ballots everywhere. Rapace won Sweden’s
equivalent to our Oscar and the role needs that
sort of commitment.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo has it all. Riveting
characters with layers of personality, well thought
out mystery, action and scandal make this one
that will grab you and hold you till the end.
It is rated R for good reason; mainly brutal violent
content including rape and torture, strong sexuality,
graphic nudity, and language. This is an intense,
adult film that is not made for your casual movie
goer. I cannot stress enough the visuals that
will bombard you. Add to that the dark and depressing
life that plagues Salander and you have a film
that many will find abrasive and too heavy to
handle. Be strongly cautious in your ticket buying
decision. As a fan of the Swedish trilogy I can
honestly say that they did this justice and I
can recommend it with little remorse. Yes they
took a few liberties with characters and the biggest
issue I had was the final scene. But Fincher gave
us warning so at least he was up front with his
decision. I give it 4 out of 5 invasions of privacy.
Not an easy film to make but they pulled it off
with gusto.
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