Jan 6, 2012

The Girl with the Dragon Tatto[2011]


Usually, I am a big fan of David Fincher's work- I haven't seen everything, but most of it (or what I managed to watch) is really good: it's obscure, the shots are great, it always has a dark, twisted plot, a great soundtrack and the performances are fantastic. This movie fits into those lines.....and that's about it. For me, this experience was underwhelming and I must admit, I was a little dissapointed.

Now, I admit, it's not entirely Fincher's fault. The script, albeit good, with twists and turns, an almost replica of the book (but with the necessary cuts), still feels too much. As a reader of the book, knowing what to expect, I was patient enough to sit through it, but I must imagine that for the first-timers, the first hour was a little boring and afterwards, the unveiling of the actual truth and mistery, during the second hour, was stretched out too much. After Mikael finds out the names and numbers are biblical and asks for Lisbeth's help, things get interesting, but not quite; I was still expecting for a faster pace, a change in dynamics, but all I got was louder, more somber music and the usual scene A, cut to scene B reel- the only good parts where the one where the story of Mikael interwines with the one of Lisbeth, seeing what they were doing in the same time. Maybe it's not the scriptwriter's fault, maybe I should just criticise the book, who knows, but that aspect really bothered me.

As I said, in theory, you could still see and have Fincher's trademark characteristic. The soundtrack was very good, intense and perfect for the movie, the special effects were great and I loved the opening sequence- different from the movie, but still special and very interesting. The cinematography and the directing style were appropriate for this kind of movie and it did gave it an extra edge, but I still wasn't impressed.

One thing that I have to admit whole-heartly- Rooney Mara owned that part. From the simple, almost boring girl in the Social Network, to Lisbeth Salander, that was a huge transformation and I am sure that road was a journey she will not forget. Knowing that David likes to do at least 20 takes of every scene, the rape part must have been horrible- her performance during that moment was hard to watch and listen. As I said, she completely transformed herself in Lisbeth and seeing her latest appeareances, I guess she hasn't managed to shake her off.

Daniel Craig also delivers a very good performance, cold, but entertaining and unique. Christopher Plummer and Stellan Stargard, as grandfather and nephew, are superb, especially Stellan, who gives Martin just the right attitude, not too maniac, but with the right amount of craziness and intelligence.

Overall, although I admit, it is a good movie, I just didn't feel it, I was never in awe, it didn't made me flinch, I wasn't eagerly waiting for the next shot, I wasn't surprised, and no, I don't think it has to do with the fact I read the book, it was just not perfect. I left the theatre saying "yeah, it was ok, but nothing special" and the people around me agreed. My sister says it was too creepy and sadistical for her taste (she is more of a Breaking Dawn girl) and my mother, who has read the book, said it was good, but also too dark and violent, but she liked it overall.

What did you think of it? Am I wrong?

18 comments:

  1. Interesting. I admit to not being a fan of a book, but loving the original, so it'll be cool to see what Fincher does with it. I mainly just want to see it because of him, and to see what Rooney Mara does with the part. I just have to convince my Dad to let me see it by myself while I'm in Aussie (he said no movies, but I really have to see it over there because I'm too young to watch it here. FML!)

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  2. You should see it, Stevee, even though I didn't have the best review for it. Before the movie started, by sister asked me why is it R18 (the same in my country as in yours) and I said violence, but it's more then that- at some points, it is hard to watch, even as a 22 year old- not too bad, but still...

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  3. I felt a little similar if I am honest. I haven't read the book, but I did prefer the original adaptation especially the extended cut.

    Nice write up my friend

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  4. This film really seems to be dividing audiences. I am hoping to get around to seeing it in the next few weeks.

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  5. I'm waiting for the movie so much, I don't like the original film and I think someone like Fincher really can give justice to briliant book. Nice review!

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  6. @Scott: I haven't seen the Swedish one, and I don't think I will! This was enough!

    @CS:You should, it is a good film, as I said and it will divide, it just happened to have me on the bad side! Thanks for dropping by!

    @Sati: Like I said, I haven't seen the original, but I have read the book- it does it justice, but it is boring in some parts!

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  7. I agree with your review. It is not a bad movie but nothing special. I have read the book, I have seen the original version as well. So, I know the story pretty well. But, I thought he just breezed through the Intro part. Most of the characters did not feel like introduces properly. Maybe, you should try the swedish version. At least I liked it better than this one.

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  8. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is certainly worth seeing if you missed the original. If you saw it, however, there’s no way of unseeing it, and nothing in the new one to top it. Craig and Mara are great here though and Fincher brings so much more to this film like I was expecting too. Good review Aziza.

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  9. I haven't read the books, but I've seen the original films. I still find it hard to picture anyone in my head except Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth, so I'll have to see this one sooner or later. I think I expect to be underwhelmed when I do see it because I love the original film so much, though I have no doubt it'll be a good film. Fincher rarely fails at anything, like you say :) Great review Diana!

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  10. I only saw the first Swedish film after hearing about this version, so I never really fell in love with Noomi Rapace as such. I read the book a few months back and I understood what a, and I'm probably going to get blasted for this, terrible adaptation it was.
    I'm not a big fan of the book, but I have a feeling this version will do it justice. When I finally get to see it though is a whole another thing...

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  11. @SDG: I totally agree, he didn't properly introduce the characters, my sisters kept asking me who this and that was! Thanks!

    @Dan O: Yes, you're right, visually, it's perfect, Fincher outdone himself and the performances are great, but still...wasn't impressed! Thanks for dropping by!

    @Ruth: I haven't seen the original, but I am sure you will like this one, as well! Thanks!

    @Nikhat: I hope you will see it soon! Good luck!

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  12. Nope ... nothing special indeed.

    I agree with your sentiments. Nice work.

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  13. I'm not surprised. That's the same way I felt for the Swedish movie ;) I doubt I will see this anytime soon.

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  14. @Sam: Yeah, I am glad you agree!Thank you Sam! Nice to have you here!
    @Castor: I don't know about the swedish movie, but if you got bored with it, then you might get bored with this one, as well! Thanks!

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  15. I think I'll be like your sis in thinking that it's too creepy and sadistic for my taste. I'm curious about it but knowing my low tolerance for violent content, I think it's best for me to skip it. Plus the cast isn't exactly a 'must see' in my book.

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  16. @Ruth: If you don't like violence, then you should skip this one just for the two or three scenes where they have it, because they are, indeed, a little extreme!

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  17. I saw the Swedish film first, then read the three books, then saw the other two Swedish films.

    I will probably see this version of the story someday, but I'm not in any hurry. From what I've read in various reviews, this version got rid of a couple of small, but great changes that the Swedish movie made to the story. I rarely say this, but the Swedish movies are better than the books because they got rid of the unnecessary tangents and focused on the story.

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  18. Yeah, I can't really say too much about the Swedish version, but this one is ok- if you're not really interested, wait for the DVD!

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