Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is a journalist in trouble. He tried to expose a crooked businessman of wrongdoing, but the mogul's cronies "exposed" him of libel. Mikael's then contacted by the wealthy Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) to solve the 1966 disappearance of Harriet, his favorite niece.
He's assisted on his mission by Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), the anti-social computer genius for whom the film's named after. He's antagonized by Mr. Vanger's family, "the most detestable collection of people you will ever meet." One of them, Vanger believes, killed Harriet. But who and why?
What director David Fincher has redone on screen isn't fun at all. It's violent, more-so in its depiction of the aftermath of violence than it being done. It's a little over 2 1/2 hours long, which means a lot of sitting for you. And if you're not careful, its plot twists might just confuse you rather than shock you.
Is it well done? Overall, it actually is. Its cinematography, by Jeff Cronenweth, fits the frigid climate perfectly. Its music score and editing finesse are quite memorable, especially in its opening credit sequence. When the film does get thrilling, it pulls it off quite well.
Amongst them all, there's Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander. She's fierce, yet lonely, and Mara plays both sides of her extremely well. Its this balance that helps certify Salander twice-over as one of cinema's most memorable characters.
Its first trailer called it "the feel bad movie of Christmas," and it earns that title. So, those wishing for a fun Holiday matinee should look elsewhere. For those willing to withstand it, don't waste a second in thinking.
Jethro's Note: I admit not having seen the original Swedish version. Something tells me I should, though.
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