| Date | |
|---|---|
| Author | DCM |
| Categories | Film Focus |
When you’ve remade a striking European hit thriller, itself an adaptation of one of the most popular novels of the new millennium and have already preceded it with arguably the best trailer of 2011, it’s fair to say there’s a bit of pressure and expectation. Last night at the world premiere for Stieg Larsson’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, David Fincher proved that he can more than handle it, delivering a taut and brilliant thriller that promises to be the start of a genuinely exciting franchise for adults.
With most of the cast and crew in attendance, including Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara and Fincher, the anticipation in Odeon Leicester Square was palpable and when the lights went down, you could hear a pin drop. For the next 157 minutes the audience were mesmerised as the dark and twisted world of the Vanger clan was detailed with precision and efficiency by a first rate cast and crew. Daniel Craig’s rock solid Mikael Blomqvist anchors the film but it’s Rooney Mara’s Lisbeth Salander who really stands out. Mara had a lot to live up to after Noomi Rapace’s star-making turn in the original version but she more than matches Rapace with a portrayal that strikes the perfect balance between vulnerability and dangerous unpredictability.
Anyone who was concerned about an American adaptation of the novel needn’t have worried, Fincher refuses to sugar-coat or gloss over the more disturbing aspects of the story and the brutality of key scenes is extremely powerful. Once again proving himself to be one of the world’s top directors it’s tough to watch at times but if you’ve got the stomach for it, this is one of Christmas 2011’s genuine treats.
[embed width=550]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVLvMg62RPA&hd=1[/embed]
