Lisabeth Is My Hero!!

Rating: 8/10 (25 December 2011)

Personally, I haven't seen the other versions of this movie or read the book. So I can only discuss this movie on it's own merits. The plot has deliberate pacing in developing and at times struggles to keep one's interest. Most of the characters personalities was developed as the movie progresses. The plot resolution becomes something of a back story for me once Lisabeth and Mikael finally meet. I was captivated by Rooney Mara's "Lisabeth". Rooney Mara was fearless in her portrayal of this antisocial, unpredictable, emotionally damaged and extremely intelligent young woman.
On reflection, Craig's Mikael Bromkvist was the most disappointingly drawn character in the movie. Mikael telegraphs the ending after Lisabeth saves his life. She saved him from a horrendous death yet he was blasé about it almost tone deaf. I don't remember him even thanking her. Then she turns around and gives him what he wanted to accomplish in his book. Again the blasé response from him. The ending brings into question his sense of reality and the value of his own life. He blunders through his life with little concern for consequence. The character Mikael has no vision which might explain the meandering plot in the beginning. I'm not blaming Craig. He made the character quite believable.
I certainly recommend the movie to adults. There are some hard, unforgiving scenes in this movie. The viewer will feel violated while watching the rape scene. Meaning, it was perfectly shot. Not for the faint of heart and certainly not for children. My favorite part of the movie is Rooney Mara's performance alone.