David Fincher, the same director who brought audiences Fight Club and The Social Network, has made a gripping adaptation of the popular Swedish novel The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. As an adaption, it has earned criticism for lack of loyalty to the novel’s ending, but as a film, it is full of the same enthralling cinematic style and raw characters Fincher is infamous for bringing alive. Fingers have also been pointed at Fincher for “cash-grabbing” since many are aware there had already been a Swedish version adapted to the screen when Fincher began his filming. However, after witnessing the intensity of the movie, it’s clear that American competitiveness and greed were not what Fincher had in mind when directing this film.
The plot, which takes place in the novel’s birthplace, Sweden, leans towards a murder mystery-esque effect tied in with themes encompassing financial corruption and greed, popular topics of today’s culture. The story revolves around an antisocial, punk girl who pairs up with an established journalist to investigate an old missing person’s case that leads them down a path more disturbing and riveting than predicted by not only them, but by readers and viewers too. In fact, the movie has gained a notorious reputation for its sexual violence. “I enjoyed it a lot,” said Pleasant Plains senior, Grace Gollon, “but the rape scenes were too intense.”
Although Fincher’s ending slightly differs from the novel, it successfully conveys the same overall impact and stays loyal to the rest of the storyline. In fact, some have voiced that the movie is better than the book. Brandon Kuhl is included among these. “The movie and book are both great, but the movie actually intensifies and adds more style to the plot.” commented the senior.
Indeed, the film is not for timid movie-goers seeking a light-hearted comedy, but if you’re looking for an innovative, suspenseful story with twisting storylines and a magnetic female heroine, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo provides this and more.
Janna Potts
-The Cardinal
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