Movies Features

Unseen Movie Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

By Adam D. Dec 20, 2011, 18:40 GMT

The Hollywood adaptation of the first book in author Stieg Larsson\'s hit Swedish trilogy.A disgraced financial journalist teams up with a female hacker to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a woman 40 years prior. ...more

How many times have you heard the old saying that the film was not as good as the book? Twice? Very rarely does the film surpass the novel. Maybe just The Godfather? Reading the book allows you to conjure up your own movie in your head.

It also allows you to view that story in your underwear and at any time you decide to pick up the book. Try heading to the theater to see the movie in your underwear and see what kind of responses you get.

“Hey pervert! This is a family theater!”
“That’s disgusting! Put some pants on!”
“What’s the waist on those? Is that a size 34?”

If you have not read Stieg Larsson’s Girl trilogy I suggest you do so immediately. If you’re driving right now, do not even brake or pull over, start reading right away. The books are that good. And this week Hollywood finally delivers up its version of the first one, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

When I first started reading Dragoon Tattoo I could not put it down, which made for some awkward moments especially in the bedroom or when I was washing dishes. The story flowed so well and held my attention like very few thrillers had.

The second one (The Girl Who Played with Fire) was even better, and by the time I got through the final novel (The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest) I was so upset because I knew I would never be able to pick these books up again and enjoy them the way I had the first time reading them.

It’s kind of like the first time you try the Bloomin’ Onion at Outback. Aside from the varying delicious fried tastes circling your mouth, you begin to wonder why you haven’t tasted this before and will it be as good the next time you order it. That’s how I felt about Stieg’s trilogy.

The Stieg Larsson story is almost as dramatic as his novels themselves. He died before seeing how popular they became. As sad as this is, it also means that this is a perfectly contained trilogy. This story can never continue on (by Stieg’s hand) thereby ruining how perfect it is. Take note George Lucas. Sure, they can hire someone else to continue the adventures of Lisbeth but it won’t be Stieg’s doing.

This brings us to the movies. With such a successful book it would only be a matter of time before some Hollywood studio got a hold of the rights and tried to make their version of the story. I kept seeing a Dragon Tattoo starring Johnny Depp (since her gets offered everything first) and Megan Fox rated PG-13 and set in Los Angeles but filmed in Toronto.

I had seen the Swedish version of Dragon Tattoo starring Noomi Rapace and it was good but still didn’t hold up to the book. I thought the big studio Hollywood version would be a watered down Dragon Tattoo lite. Like drinking diet soda or eating reduced fat Funyuns . Instead grab a Coke Classic and don’t order dessert.

Then Columbia hired David Fincher to direct. That is a huge first step in the right direction. This is a guy who basically made a $63 million art film for a studio when he delivered Fight Club. He makes great movies and doesn’t flinch at violence or what the story calls for. If you don’t believe me check out the ending to Seven. (What’s in the booooooooox?)

Next up was Daniel Craig as Blomkvist. Another smart hire. Craig transformed Bond into a relatable character and did wonders in Layer Cake. But the real question was who would play Lisbeth? And I could not believe it when they announced Rooney Mara. It was such a smart choice because it played against what everyone was expecting. And when you see her in makeup, she is Lisbeth.

My fears of Hollywood ruining one of the best books of the past 20 years were slowly melting away faster than that Quebec ice hotel in summer. I was coming around but not fully sold until they announced the film was shooting in Sweden and would be rated R.

It seemed to me that Columbia has gotten everything right about Dragon Tattoo every step of the way. And they had to because there are many people out there who loved these books. With so many things already in the pro column I will definitely be seeing this movie on opening weekend. I might even wear pants to the theater.

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