Review:
The movie adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s international bestseller, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, was a blockbuster success in Sweeden and Europe, and with good reason. A slick thriller with an old school detective vibe, the story revolves around discredited journalist Michel Blomkvist and his investigation into the disappearance of a rich man’s daughter, with the help of computer whiz Lisbeth. Unsurprisingly, plans for a U.S. remake are well underway, with Daniel Craig looking likely to play Michel Blomkvist, the crusading journalist, and every young Hollywood actress of note vying to play Lisbeth.
Once again, the U.S. remake faces an uphill battle to match the original film. More than anything, this movie made me realize how much I miss smart thrillers, of which there have been shamefully few in this era of comic book blockbusters. This film hearkens back to the days of films like Patriot Games, The Firm, and Witness – but with a decidedly darker edge. As those who have read the book know, the story goes to some seriously dark places, which the movie shows in unflinching detail. It can be truly horrible to watch at times, but you won’t be able to look away from Noomi Rapace’s mesmerizing performance as Lisbeth. Her work is simply brilliant, as she delivers the vulnerability, the darkness, the personal wreckage of Lisbeth, who is the emotional center of the film.
Admittedly I hadn’t read the book before I saw the movie, so for those looking for a comparison:
If you’ve read the book, you can’t help comparing and contrasting both versions constantly. Oplev’s movie whisks key characters right out of the plot, either by death or omission. Much of the journalistic intrigue is gone (sadly, since presumably this was an element precious to Larsson, who like Blomkvist was a financial journalist before his death in 2004.) The changes may jar those viewers well-versed in Larsson’s work, but because of them Oplev is able to tease more thrills out of the material than they might expect. Blomkvist twice stumbles unwittingly into suspenseful situations involving spooky houses and while we’re annoyed that he’s less savvy than he is in the book, you want to feel the urge to cover your eyes in a thriller like this; by tinkering, Oplev amps up the tension even for avid Larsson readers.
Bottom line – this film is well worth watching, whether you have or haven’t read the book. Don’t let the subtitles stop you from enjoying a well made thriller.
