Well directed and performed, but still unnecessary remake

Rating: 8/10 (9 July 2013)

I postponed watching this movie as I had seen the Swedish version a couple of years ago which I enjoyed a lot. So I knew the basic story- line and did not want to watch a movie due to artistic comparison purposes. Yesterday, when I realized that I did not remember too many scenes, I decided to see what the US version could provide.
First I recognized that many scenes were the same or very similar - the director and screenwriter were obviously eager to maintain the Swedish atmosphere, and they succeeded in that (well, most filming in Sweden and Norway was of big help). And introduction of European, incl. Swedish actors was a wise move as well; all the leading ladies and men are at least good, if not great (beginning with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara). Thanks to strong book behind, the characters are elaborated, scenes and twists are logical; David Fincher's talent and skills let capture the mood and tensions through mystery aura.
Nevertheless, the US remake was ready about 2 years after the original Swedish version... For those millions not eager to read subtitles, it could have been easily postponed for later.