The “Millennium” trilogy released by Stieg Larsson has become one of the most popular series of books that fascinated a whole planet. With a glacial tone, a sinister atmosphere and strange characters, the Swedish author’s books have become so popular that 5 years later, the Swedish cinema world has launched the first movie. It was the starting point for Noomi Rapace.
In 2001, David Fincher has released his own version – “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”, with Rooney Mara playing Lisbeth. The play and the total transformation have convinced the critics, who claim the actress deserves at least one Oscar nominee. The movie is just like expected – full of mystery, with interesting, yet bizarre characters. It will seriously aim for one of the best movies of 2011.
The movie presents Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig), a journalist with a bad name who is contacted by a noble old man from the Vanger clan – Henrik (Christopher Plummer) to solve a case. Mikael must find out what happened with the old man’s niece – Harieta, who disappeared 40 years ago. The journalist is helped by Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), a young hacker full of tattoos who hides a drama. Together, the two investigators find out that Harieta’s disappearance is connected with a series of horrible crimes that took place 40 years ago. This is when the actual adventure begins.
For those who read the books and saw the original movie, Fincher’s version is a real challenge. It has common elements with the Swedish movie, but in the end, you realize you have just seen a completely different movie. Even if you are a real fan of the original version, you will still appreciate this American version. If the American remakes are usually not worth wasting a few hours of your life, in this case, things are a little different.
From a shy and calm girl, Rooney Mara has been through the transformation of her life with this role. She is tough, unpredictable, suspicious and innocent. She is a hypnotizing rebel you would like to get to know more since the moment you first see her.
Daniel Craig makes a good role too and convinces the audience that he can play someone else than 007 too. Although it takes a while until the two characters meet in the same room, the dynamics when they do it is incredible. Craig and Mara make a powerful, courageous and funny team. For a few moments, you might be lost and have no clue what is going on. However, no matter how picky you are, you will definitely enjoy “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”.
Rating: 4 / 5