The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Movie Review

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Directed by David Fincher and starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara, is reviewed by Christy Lemire (AP critic and host of Ebert Priesents at the Movies, check your local PBS listings), Matt Atchity (Editor-in-chief Rottentomatoes.com), Ben Mankiewicz (host of Turner Classic Movies), and Alonso Duralde (TheWrap.com and Linoleum Knife podcast).
See what other critics are saying: www.rottentomat...
This English-language adaptation of the Swedish novel by Stieg Larsson follows a disgraced journalist, Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig), as he investigates the disappearance of a wealthy patriarch's niece from 40 years ago. He is aided by the pierced, tattooed, punk computer hacker named Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara). As they work together in the investigation, Blomkvist and Salander uncover immense corruption beyond anything they have ever imagined.
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[@Grisostomo06]

Why did they use Noomi Rapace in the thumbnail? I thought this was a review of the Swedish version which stars Noomi as Lisbeth Salande.r

[@coosoorlog]

I was also quite confused.

[@anthonylaudati]

It's so great seeing Ben with you guys!! Please convince him to join you full-time on All Day Breakfast Podcast!! There HAS to be another Girl movie with Rooney Mara as Lisbeth. Perhaps Mikael gets murdered, and then Lisbeth and Erika team up to catch the killer(s), while exploring a sexual relationship between each other.

[@askarsfan2011]

The ending was the perfect commentary on real life. This movie wasn't a love story. It wasn't about a May-December romance or a happy ending. It was a detective story with 2 leads briefly and unexpectedly connecting with each other intimately. I hope Fincher directs the 2 sequals. I can't wait to see them.

[@MaoRuiqi]

Surprised that these critics didn't use a Radical Feminist (RF) lens to critique this film. First, Lisbeth is portrayed as a RF warrior, as such, she experiences victimization of the rape culture perpetuated by the patriarchy; however, as a warrior, she must ultimately prevail by revenge. Second, as a hero-warrior, she may experience short-term unions with White Knights; however, these individuals, as men, cannot sustain an equal relationship with a female warrior for very long. Third, as with Westerners, the hero always loses their love interest and heads toward the setting sun alone. Indeed, as with the Dark Knight, the 4th act was required to provide the means for the hero to be recycled back to rejection from acceptance.

[@nealm6764]

That is way to deep for these idiots.

[@WAAAAAAAAAAAY]

I liked this - saw it in the cinema when it came out. It's much flashier than the Swedish original [which is much tougher and bleaker - I think it's a great film] and it's very long but it moves fast and has a really cool, pulpy tone. This also kind of makes the original look more like a TV movie [which I've been informed it was when it was first released in Sweden]. I'm a huge fan of David Fincher - nobody does nihilism quite like him. This is [as they point out] a kind of a medley of Fincher hits but a lot of it works. More people will dig this than the Swedish film because it's goes for pulp rather than relentlessly dark and bleak. I generally don't see the point of remaking a foreign film in English but this is one of the better ones; up there with The Departed for me. :)

[@Fangtorn]

I haven't seen this film yet but judging from trailer I think I'm going to prefer the swedish original. I know it's unfair to judge from the trailer, but how much different can one adaption be from another and still both be faithful to the book? I think Rooney Mara is probably a more faithful casting of Lisbeth in the looks department, but I don't think she'll match or best Noomi Rapace's performance. I am completely biased though, as I think Rapace's Lisbeth is smoking hot.

[@095293003]

@Pooledogg ??? Are you talking about the swedish movie or the book. I believe he crashes in all versions, but whether Lisbeth lets him die, or if she has no chance to save him in the first place changes between versions of the story.

[@shalcall]

@modplugrad Yes, Noomi Rapace. I think the role she played in the original Swedish version of the film was perfect and has opened up roles for her here in the U.S. (like Sherlock Holmes).

[@AverageFallacy]

To those saying that this is a remake, you are wrong. It is an adaptation of the novels, just like the Swedish films were also adaptations. Fincher's adaptation is coming from the original source material (the novels). These are two separate adaptations. In other words, NOT A REMAKE.

[@theadamblock]

Just could not get into this one. Didn't think the two character's stories worked well together in this adaption and I found the mystery lacked genuine suspense overall. 5, for me, is generous. I found the experience to be very unpleasant

[@TheRepublicOfUngeria]

The rape was very important because not only is it empowering when the guy gets fucked back, but it's a commentary about how anyone can be a rape victim in society and how some of them may never receive justice for it

[@DavidMacDowellBlue]

I find one of these critics at least *expects* and even *wants* stereotypes. Lisbeth is a character who has been victimized but absolutely refuses to see herself as a victim.

[@TheGooseTavern]

Craig: Better Mikael Noomi: Better Lisbeth

[@10113sarah]

they should have done more research. the ending is the ending to the book.

[@logangray1912]

The score of this film is purely amazing, but the original Swedish film is much, much better. I wasn't a big fan of the Swedish sequels, so maybe the American versions will improve on those stories.

[@Yodano11]

Totally agree with you. I saw BOTH versions and the original version is the real deal.

[@kght222]

@kght222 she decides instead of killing him or trying to get a new guardian another way, to take over the situation, and grab the power for herself. she gets more than she anticipated, but it still works. just makes her more likely to kill him in the end. she does it because she figures that if she gets a new guardian there is no guessing if the next will be the same, or even just annoying. so she played the hand she was dealt.

[@Fangtorn]

@KillSwitch2 "Sucked" is a bit harsh. I liked watching Lisbeth stroll off into the sunset with her billions of kronor. I don't feel they ripped off Silence of the Lambs at all. It was visually similiar, but I wouldn't have made that comparison if you hadn't said. As for like the book, at least in the swedish one Mikael goes to jail at some point, at least he goes to Australia, the flowers are explained, and it isn't just stated that Lisbeth tried to burn her father to death.

[@al1936ful]

The Hollywood version leaves out two important scenes. It does not show the scene in which Lisbeth Salander sets her father on fire because he abused her mother. Nor does it clear how the psychiatrist abused her in the asylum. These two things go a long way toward explaining Lisbeth as a victim. Perhaps if the critics had seen the Swedish version first, they'd understand better.

[@JozieLeePro]

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: From the original Swedish movie Salandar is a victim when she's a young girl. Only when she's forced to protect herself, when she realizes no one is coming to her defense, does she turns kick-ass. Great trilogy. Hesitant to watch this new version. Can't imagine how it will measure up.

[@thehobbsguy]

The swedish movie added those scenes from the second book, you do not learn those things about Lisbeth's character until the second book.

[@Wildcat612]

What's with the Noomi Rapace screencap on the main channel?

[@sinosleep007]

I really don't see what Alonso is failing to see. She gets victimized because she didn't see it coming. She outright says as much afterwards.

[@FadedSilkandGhosts]

Noomi Rapace (swedish version) did a much better job of capturing Lisbeth's spirit from the books.

[@flake452]

I do not think they are suggesting the victim is too blame, rather than she was strong enough to fight off a rapist, thats what I take from the review.

[@095293003]

@Pooledogg The ending was the same as in the book, and fleshed out characters that were left out of the Swedish version. I wasn't, but any problems I had were not problems with the film itself, but with the story they were based on. I still loved the book though.

[@christianmarshall3439]

To be fair, they're movie critics, not book critics. Don't get me wrong, I have that same philosophy. I wouldn't even think about watching a movie before reading the book.

[@Pooledogg]

They changed the ending, added parts of the other stories and didn't introduce half the cast. I was disappointed.

[@rurounix86]

A good film, adaptation or not, should be able to stand on it's own without requiring the audience needing to have prior knowledge from any external texts. Considering they are film critics, it isn't within their purview to have read anything before they review a film.

[@Indubitably14]

Anyone else sitting here wondering how the fuck these people can call themselves "critics" when they haven't seen the original? It was such a massively popular foreign film...

[@shadowman2192]

Is the character Mikael in the sequels too?

[@Yeezus2295]

This is NOT a remake. They didn't base their film on the swedish version, this is just another version of the book.

[@askarsfan2011]

This was not a remake of anything. It's an independent adaptation of the Swedish novel.

[@YOYOdaMOOSE]

what's with the thumbnail? is that the girl from the original adaption? it's not mara rooney

[@juliact]

I will go and see this, but I can't imagine a better Lisbeth than Noomi Rapace - she made that role her own. Just from the trailers, Rooney Mara is looking blank and a bit weird, instead of the anger and fierceness that Rapace exuded. To me, that is what Lisbeth is all about, barely repressed rage (justifiably so, as is later revealed).

[@askarsfan2011]

@macintoshbruno This wasn't a remake. This was an independent adaptation of the novels. Why can't we just enjoy both versions?

[@sfasthorse]

Had these critics actually read the book, alot of these questions they had about confusing actions and motives of different characters would have been easily solved. Call me cheesy but, this is why you should always read the book first.

[@XauroraOborealisX]

Who says that you have to fit into either the victim box OR the bad-ass box? The very fact that some of the reviewers here are confused about that legitimizes the need for Lisbeth's story to be told. Even superheroes have vices, "weaknesses" or something about them that makes them less god-like and more human-like (and, thus, relatable). That being said, I am disappointed to hear that a rape scene was included in this film. I hope it enhances the story rather than sensationalizes it.

[@abcun17]

I have watched several of these movie reviews from "What The Flick?", and I must say I am baffled each and every time! Almost all of the reviews start with "I am not familiar with" , " I don't know about this", "I haven't heard that", "I haven't seen"! Well you aren't you the movie critics, shouldn't you have dealt with that stuff prior to coming on here and dropping your reviews on us like a sack of potatoes?!?! Nevermimd the fact that some of the reviews has one of the critics saying "Well I haven't seen the movie..."! So you haven't seen the movie yet you're still on giving talking about something you just admitted you haven't seen!!! Listen, I understand that as a movie critic you don't want to spoil your first viewing of the movie and that you try to have an initial reaction as fresh as possible, but what is your excuse afterwards as you are preparing to review it? This isn't 30 years ago when there was no internet and soo many alternative sources of information existed! Yeah 30 years ago you could only rely on the studio's press release, interviews with the actors of reading the source material if the particular movie you watched was adapted from a book or short story etc. Even so I don't remember Gene Siskel or Roger Ebert starting their reviews with "I don't know..." You don't have to have read the books, there is enough background information about the story and characters that you could have accessed after seeing the movie but prior to your reviews, so as to make you more familiar wit the entire Millenium universe. You could have watched the Swedish movies (all of you not just one). For example the whole fourth act that all of you seem not to like and dismiss, that is supposed to happen that way since it sets up the next instalment in the trilogy and that this movie, while it has a stand alone story, it acts like a bridge to the rest of the story of the Millenium trilogy. As for Lisbeth Salander's character and how she is portrayed, and you not buying her structure as embodiment, if you has bothered to find out more about the author, Stieg Larson, you would have known that besides being a novelist , he was a politician, had been a social worker and an advocate for women's rights in Sweden and the creation of Lisbeth Salander as a character came as the culmination or end sum of his own experiences from his work with issues of sexual assault, sexism, racism, mental health issues and other things that are apparent both in the Swedish movies as well as Fincher's interpretation. Larson very much resembles the character of Michael Bloomqvist (Daniel Craig), while the serial murders which are investigated in this instalment are really more of a background upon which all the characters and their circumstances are introduced! As for David Fincher not delivering what is expected or what you expected...ant the fact that "well we saw this in "Seven"... You do realize that he was somewhat constrained in what he could do with the movie due in no small part on the popularity of the novels and the fact that Larsen's family, specifically his widow, own the rights to the story and any movie adaptations... I would also like to mention something about Rotten Tomatoes...This is one lame piece of shit website! Think about it it re-posts movie reviews from other critics and then it averages a movie's worth in percentages...wow by that same token I might as well rely on the IMDb ratings system because it is about as reliable!!! Rotten Tomatoes is a giant turd, but has become the go-to reference for a lot of these movie critics, and it is nothing but a lazy, limited and ultimately empty gesture on their part so as to back up their superficial and lacklustre reviews... Get your head out of your arses and do some real reviews if you want people to still give a shit about what you have to say!

[@thalunizz21]

Can someone please give me a little about this movie please I've been trying to learn more about it but I don't get it.

[@themmstudiopodcast7501]

Wow, such professional reviewers. Even so much so that they didn't realize the movie had a 5 act structure.

[@TruthAndMoreTruth]

I don't know how this movie avoided an NC17 rating. I thought it was a pretty good movie. Soundtrack by Trent Reznor was a bonus!

[@gulllars]

@charlottewaldo a bit late reply, but that is so true. No matter how strong you are as a person, a series of unfortunate events can make you a victim (economically, socially, or physically). There are even predators (in any of the senses mentioned before) out there who enjoy targeting strong and confident individuals because of the challenge and experienced power. It's how you deal with being victimized that shows truely how strong you are as a person. I find Lisbeth believable.

[@mmohkaye]

I dislike how they are judging this, yet none of them have read the books or watched the original movies..

[@danielmcdermott138]

This film was fantastic, there was no reason to remake it.

[@utkarshed]

daniel mcdermott 1. It's not a remake. It's the second adaptation of a novel. 2. There's always a reason to remake movies in different languages. Bringing them to a new audience. And when someone like David Fincher directs, there's also the new directorial vision.

[@kght222]

and if only they had read the book, they would understand why salander could be so easily victimized. to put it simply she was certified as insane, the one who violated her was her legally appointed guardian. if she said something it was her word against his, if she attacked him she would be institutionalized. 99% of her experience with authority was them taking away her freedoms, she knew that she had to deal with the perpetrator. in the book (havnt seen the movie) she carefully plans his death

[@abelmp3mp3]

@JozieLeePro I was hesitant too... I read the trilogy and watched the Swedish films and had my doubts with this Hollywood version because I was sick of poorly adaptions like The perfume and so called "sagas" made movies like Twilight but I gave ti a chance and I was amazed... the movie kicks ass, is an excellent adaption, the acting is great, de direction is flawless, of couse nothing will ever put up with the book but this movie is f* awsome... give it a try :D

[@Mbeebeelove]

I thought this movie tried so hard to sell so much stuff like McDonalds, Coke, Motorcycles, Piercings, Jackets, Snow....etc! lol

[@onepiecefan74]

I actually really liked the ending. I felt that the last shot of the film had more emotional weight than anything in the origin al trilogy (which I loved) or the rest of this movie.

[@Boobalopbop]

Yeah... What are books?

[@joolz1988]

no, this is about the movie, not the book. a movie should be able to stand for itself. if i want to watch a movie, i dont want to read three books, to understand whats going on.

[@kght222]

that intro is fucked up, its completely wrong. not only did she not say that exactly, she didn't say not often enough, she mentions that his editor is married and her husband knows about their relationship and has for a long time, and has never been angry about it. and berger even invites kael (chuckle) to join them for new years. her even making an indication of having a sex drive in a professional setting would be entirely out of character.

[@FolkBoyify]

I could see the psychological issues within some of these people in the film.

[@dafttool]

The original Swedish series was very good. (Btw Matt, why be a movie lover/reviewer, & NOT bother to see the original, which was frankly a sensation in European cinema?) Have hopes that Daniel Craig will do a better job than the original lead, who I never bought bedding his female lead, but not really expecting as much from this Hollywood-sanitized female lead, who's dragon tattoo was even shrunken. Glad the reviewers at least made it sound better than the "Let The Right One In" crappy remake.

[@MrDragon1968]

The first Swedish film was pretty good, but the second two were a bit so so- but made better by Noomi Rapace's presence. I get why people bitch about the US incessantly having to 'remake' non US films or tv shows. It get's annoying after a while- particularly if the original was much better; I mean did the US really have to remake The Killing (Forbrydelsen) when the Danish original was so suberb & better? However it's not a remake if your adapting from a book & we are talking David Fincher here.

[@arbide3]

The book is actuallly called "Men That Hate Women" in Swedish.

[@Von_Unaussprechlichen]

You're movie critics and only one of you have seen the original?

[@Atheyst]

lol, the captions are hilariously wrong. "its in the reginald"

[@japande]

I am really disappointed that they did not bother to see the original before reviewing the remake - especially as the original is just 2 years old and Fincher is really just re-using a lot of its scenes and cuts. Not very original at all IMHO...

[@oscartorres8606]

As soon as I saw rotten tomatoes was involved I looked something else up...after that captain marvel bullshit they pulled they los all credibility

[@neoyorke]

Sorry but there isn't any piano from Closer on the soundtrack. If anything, Matt needs to "Come on". Sure there is piano and Trent Reznor is playing, doesn't mean everything leads to Closer. Listen to it again Matt then listen to Closer.

[@coglapse]

I saw the original (and read the book) and I liked Rooney Mara much more as Lisbeth.

[@XauroraOborealisX]

@charlottewaldo To your other point, I did not pick up on a blame-the-victim vibe but in thinking about it, I can see how one might. I attributed the comment to a mere preference of cookie cutter, stereotypical characters that "make sense" (which I find odd for a movie reviewer to prefer). I am glad the character is getting a confused reaction, though, because it legitimizes the need for more REAL characters.

[@askarsfan2011]

@XauroraOborealisX You do see the rape scene. It's not fetishy or sexy in any way. It is brutal and disturbing as it's supposed to be. This is not a PG-13 movie at all. It contains nudity and sex and violence, and is presented in an adult way. I would not see it with children. But it is definitely worth seeing if you are tired of the typical sanitized action hero Hollywood drivel.

[@charlottewaldo]

@XauroraOborealisX The rape is pretty essential to all versions of the story and it also resonates for the last two parts of the series. I do agree that I found the reviewers confusion about how someone that tough could also be a victim of violence shows the need for this story to be told. I got kind of a "blame the victim" vibe from the review.

[@bitterburner202]

these old people piss me off, go make your own movie if you don't like it. This movie is brilliant, sure it won't be a classic but embrace it for what it is.

[@doesitmatter94]

umm a movie is meant to be able to stand on its own. no one should have to read the book to understand the emotions and motives of characters..a good director would be able to portray them

[@HookupsJZA]

Mostly agree here. Loved the cast, Hated the ending, Beautifully shot, and the opening was cool, but was reminded of a James Bond opening, and thought that was an odd choice considering "Bond" was the star of this movie. I still bought it : 9.1 for me

[@heyhey89674]

Christy Lemire wrong again: IT IS A REMAKE and watch the swedish version of the movies, their awsome.

[@ddl74]

It's not the director's job to be faithful to the book, they have to make a good movie. Good books often make bad movies and vice versa.

[@gulllars]

@jazzx251 so, i guess you're agreeing with me then, but your comment doesn't sound like it in tone... I'm confused.

[@BitchesCallMeTFree]

@Blacktolite They're supposed to review a movie on its own, not compare it to another film the entire time.

[@holaquetal1918]

Lisbeth is a victim before the rape....just wait for the second movie. You can almost feel something worst happened to her.

[@DooshBoosh]

@sfasthorse I've read the book and can say - You are cheesy.... and wrong. This isn't a merchandising of a product. It is an adaption of fictional work from one medium of art to another. If I go to see a film I should have all the information and narrative needed to understand it from what I see in the film alone. I should not need to refer to "source material" for an explanation. Essentially your post was made to try and make you look smart for reading.

[@chloemeowsummer]

I loved the ending because it made me rush to the book store to get the second. That's what a good writer does. But I guess I can see how it would leave you unsatisfied if the next movie isn't out. Overall I didn't like this review but that's probably just because I've read all three.

[@omgwtfbbqstfu]

Sorry but that is nonsense, a film has to stand alone, or else it is just a special feature for the book, a fan service material, not a film.

[@kurtrivero368]

@Fangtorn The Swedish version ending sucked. Not only was it not like how the book ended but it looked like they were trying to ape Anthony Hopkins final scene in 'Silence of the Lambs'.

[@randomizer1666]

@sfasthorse Maybe it's just me, but Hollywood screws up book adaptations so often that I don't want to see any book I've read as a movie. Which would sort of defeat the purpose of your point, if you have to read the book for it to make sense, why watch the damned movie?

[@spartan8]

There is no dragon references in the swedish movies. I don't understand what they're talking about. Not watching this one.

[@Angyali]

By the way: these guys are not real critics, the're just cheap jerks pretending to be. They can't form a solid, reasonable opinion or analize anything deeper in a movie's concept.

[@iowacub1]

The Karen O/Reznor remix of Immigrant song is fucking amazing.

[@AKSBSU]

I guess I'll go ahead and watch this. I've been skeptical about this version; I liked Noomi's Lisbeth quite a bit.

[@desurgeon]

@meaningfulphrase its all about the money. I am sure this remake will make more money than the Swedish film. doesn't matter which one is superior. the answer to 9/10 questions is MONEY!

[@lakergal07]

I didn't really like this movie. Her social workers or who ever he is forces her to give him a blow job then he rapes her. And the fact that she just kind of accepts its even though yes she does get her revenge, speaks volumes. Also the fact that she was so willing to sleep with Mikael kind of lets you know how she's had to live. Also the ending was a little eh. This movie had good moments but it was really slow. It left questions that could have been answered with two or three extra lines.

[@Yeezus2295]

@Pooledogg i saw most of the golden globes, and academy awards nominees and most well reviewed films by critics that weren't nominated like warrior, drive etc... so im alright, just a fan of the millenium series

[@XauroraOborealisX]

@charlottewaldo Yes, I understand that the rape is central to the storyline but I have a problem with movies showing the actual event (most tend to fetishize rape or make it "sexy" in doing so, though admittedly not ALL do). I respect directors who know how to imply it or who only show non-visual aspects (i.e., sound). I haven't seen this film so I don't know how it was handled, but I am always a bit cautious when I hear about this. They seem to imply that you see it?

[@BitchesCallMeTFree]

@MultiUniv3rsal You're quite the cynic, aren't you? haha. You should give The Social Network a try. There really isn't much about Facebook itself, but it's more about friendships and betrayal, just set against a Facebook backdrop essentially. While Benjamin Button wasn't a masterpiece by any means, it was still a well-developed concept with great performances. While some of the CGI was a little unrealistic, I was really impressed how they were able to make Cate Blanchett look 20 years younger.

[@charlottewaldo]

@onepiecefan74 I did too. It was like a sucker punch, and I really felt for Lisbeth in the last scene.

[@MrKick123]

Why not focus in the movie and not in David Fincher.?

[@prestonscott73]

Great review- sometimes you guys have a great back and forth discussion, this was one of them. The Immigrant Song! I generally don't like Zeppelin remakes, but this one sounded awesome from the trailer- and perfect for the movie.

[@birthdaynick80]

@malows1234 well Nolan is out after the next batman movie, but you must at least acknowledge The Prestige, Memento and Inception... but the regurgitated stuff should just go straight to blueray

[@SherlockHolmes000]

Seems to me that the movie ran like this: Sex for a Favor, Rape, Sex, Sex, Sex, Sex, Sex, Sex, oh and then there's the part about murdered girls...that were raped.

[@meaningfulphrase]

i really don't understand why they made this movie. What's wrong with subtitles?

[@dwalden74]

The music was way too distracting in the first and second acts I though. Reznor keeps these moody electronic beats going on in the background even over very personal dialogue, to the point where I was just like "Let me just focus on the what they're saying, instead of having it sound like a movie trailer the whole time". Too much imo.

[@TorusMorganite]

breaking no new ground perhaps, but that begining sequence was brilliant!!

[@birthdaynick80]

@OcularPolitics instead of sequels they should just remake the same movie over and over again *coughhangovercough* damn this nasty cough!

[@freshhug]

"there was a book".., Great movie critics(no surprice), the books have only been a bestseller all over the world..

[@coglapse]

You guys should make these thing a little longer - there's so much more that you could have talked about. Still get a good thumbs up tho.

[@CyborgNinja7]

I really wish WhatTheFlick's reviews would get to the point. It's so drawn out.

[@095293003]

@JozieLeePro i thought it was stronger than the first movie, but I think the first time you see the story whether in book or movie form will be the definitive form of the story for you. I read the book first, so the swedish movie disappointed me. Both of the films, as well as the book, are still flawed though.

[@BitchesCallMeTFree]

@meaningfulphrase Uhm, DAVID FINCHER. He's one of the greatest film makers of our time.