Stieg Larsson's posthumously released 'Millennium Trilogy' was an enormous succes upon it's release in 2005. In fact, it became a worldwide phenomenon as soon as it was published in other languages. Apparently, director David Fincher has a patent on trendy material since he was also the man behind the critically acclaimed Facebook movie 'The Social Network', which felt like a modern take on 'Citizen Kane'.
Much like that movie 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' moves at an amazing speed. The story and the characters demand your attention. The plot revolves around Mikael Blomkvist, a disgraced journalist, and Lisbeth Salander, a twenty-three-year-old computer hacker who lives a tortured life.
Both become enveloped in the mystery of the Vanger family, a collection of wealthy eccentrics. Fourty years ago young Harriet Vanger dissapeared and was presumably killed by a family member. Blomkvist and Salander are called in to solve the case and trace this hater of women.
To me one of the biggest surprises was Daniel Craig's performance as Blomkvist. We know him best from his role as James Bond in 'Casino Royale' and 'Quantum of Solace'. Until now he didn't seem to stray too far from that cool and tough brand of characters. Here, he gets to show off his warmer nature; investing Blomkvist with humour and self-pity. He's a perfect match for Rooney Mara's Lisbeth Salander; the ultimate bad girl. Cold and distant but far from emotionless. She does things in this movie that would make grown men cry. Actually, she does.
Much of the joy in this film comes from seeing these two characters interact. But there's also the Vangers; Fincher assembled a great cast to support Craig and Mara. Leading them is the always reliable Christopher Plummer as Henrik; Blomkvist's employer. Then there's Stellan Skarsgård as Martin who has a major presence even though he has limited screentime. Finally, Yorick van Wageningen is suitably despicable as Bjurman; Salander's horny guardian.
The film has a sizeable running time; it clocks in at 2 hours and 38 minutes. The majority of which flies by. Especially the main story about Harriet's disappearance is interesting and engaging. Unfortunately, Fincher felt the need to include an extended epilogue in which Salander restores Blomkvist's reputation. This part of the film lacks the urgency and dread felt in everything that came before. Still, it is not without merit. All the extra time we can spend with Salander is a treat. Hers is a character that evolves and the more we know of her the more fascinating she becomes.
