Dark cinematic genius.

Rating: 10/10 (28 December 2011)

I haven't read the books. I have seen the original Swedish film series and loved every single one of them. Especially the first film which I thought was brilliant. Knowing David Fincher was up to direct this version had me waiting with baited breath at the outcome. I'm more than happy to say that Fincher's version is equally as brilliant. Whether or not he'll direct the rest of the series (if approved) we'll just have to wait to wait and see. If yes, then this is a fantastic opener from one of the best directors in the business.
Daniel Craig gives a solid performance as Mikael Blomkvist, the disgraced journalist. Had my doubts about Craig after watching the dreadful Cowboys and Aliens. Watching Craig struggle with an accent is almost torturous. But here he uses his English accent and does a great job. Christopher Plummer as Henrik continues to play characters with such ease and conviction. No wonder he's getting plaudits and nominations for his role in The Beginners. A wonderful actor who continues show how it's done. Stellan Skarsgard who plays Martin, plays his role with a deceptive menace and puts in an impressive performance.
Others, Robin Wright, Steven Berkoff, Joely Richardson and others, perform wonderfully. Now, Rooney Mara. There's no point comparing, because Noomi Rapace's Lisbeth was electric on the screen. Couldn't take your eyes off her. She had attitude, sex appeal and brains. A great fictional character, who eventually becomes the feisty protagonist we all know an love.
Rooney Mara is all that and more. She is Lisbeth Salander. Just mesmerizing on screen, by no means a copycat or an imitation. It's a simply brilliant performance. Say what you want about Noomi Rapace. Rooney Mara is just phenomenal as Lisbeth. It's a performance you'll talk about for days and rightly so she's been recognized with nominations. If a Foreign Press Association know what's good, she'll get the Golden Globe award. Yeah yeah there are other performances to consider, but I rooting for Rooney. Shame her sisters not as good, pretty girl though. Anyway, Fincher mark is all over this. Obviously because it's his film. But I consider this his darkest film since Se7en. It's sub dark. Recreating the infamous rape scene, which is a terrifying scene but still watchable, as is Lisbeth's revenge against her rapist.
The tone of the film does change, but never hinders the consistency of the plot and story. Both of which are faithful to the Swedish original. I also liked the intro. Stylish and sexy techno music with a with great visuals. Quite a few humorous moments and quite a few sex scenes in this. Neither of which stopped me from loving a well written, brilliantly adapted, visually wonderfully thriller. Best Director, Actress, Screenplay and Cinematography nominations will follow. One of the films of the year. Anyway, Fincher mark is all over this. Obviously because it's his film. But I consider this his darkest film since Se7en. It's sub dark. Recreating the infamous rape scene, which is a terrifying scene but still watchable, as is Lisbeth's revenge against her rapist. The tone of the film does change, but never hinders the consistency of the plot and story. Both of which are faithful to the Swedish original.
I also loved the intro. Stylish and sexy techno music with a with great visuals. Quite a few humorous moments and quite a few sex scenes in this. Neither of which stopped me from loving a well written, brilliantly adapted, visually wonderfully thriller. Best Director, Actress, Screenplay and Cinematography nominations will follow. One of the films of the year.