THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
RYAN: You read the book and saw the Swedish version of this movie and I hadn’t so we can give both views on this one. I, for one, freaking loved it!
CAROLINE: I did too. I think I liked this better than the Swedish one actually – the characterization of Lisbeth Salander was pitch perfect.
RYAN: Even at the start, the opening credits were incredible. It was like an amazingly innovative and creative music video. I felt I had my money’s worth even then, at 5 minutes in.
CAROLINE: I thought the credits were a little weird, honestly. I was like, “How does this relate to the story?” But I guess it wasn’t supposed to completely. It was just supposed to look cool and prepare you for the dark twisted place you’re about to go.
RYAN: I was totally into the story. Fincher does an amazing job sucking you in with suspense. In every frame, I kept worrying someone was gonna get jumped.
CAROLINE: Even though I’d read the book and knew exactly what was going to happen, I was totally on the edge of my seat too. They changed the ending somewhat, but it didn’t bother me.
RYAN: The cast is fantastic. Kate Mara has to be freaking out for her little sis. Rooney is completely devoid of herself in this role. I could see her getting nominated for an Oscar. And I don’t think it’s all hair, makeup and titular tattoo.
CAROLINE: Couldn’t agree more. She absolutely disappears into this character and she’s unrecognizable. The hair, makeup and costume department totally outdid themselves. I was über impressed all around.
RYAN: How did you like Daniel Craig’s butt crack? I was a little embarrassed for him, honestly.
CAROLINE: Ha, I barely noticed. I was too busy noticing how unabashedly naked Rooney is throughout the film.
RYAN: I was really floored and disturbed by some scenes. How did those intense moments compare to your idea of them from the book and in the original film?
CAROLINE: Honestly, they were hard to watch. And equally hard to watch in the Swedish film. I was worried I might have nightmares but I seem to be OK so far.
RYAN: I loved the score, the soundtrack and the locations. The layout off all the houses was really incredible.
CAROLINE: Yeah, the music is insanely good. It’s Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross again; they also did the score for Fincher’s Social Network last year. It fits the mood of the movie perfectly. And there’s also an awesome Enya moment at the end of the movie. It would be hilarious if it weren’t so disturbing.
RYAN: Although it’s a long movie at two and a half hours, it’s engaging. And I like that all loose ends were tied up. It’s a very complete and completely satisfying film. I predicted some things but was happy to be surprised by others.
— BOTTOM LINE —
CAROLINE: I really enjoyed this movie. I was not at all disappointed, even though I was worried it might not live up to the hype. I never should doubt you, David Fincher! It’s definitely long, but it flew by for me. I actually didn’t want it to end. And again, I couldn’t be more impressed by Rooney Mara. She nailed it.
RYAN: This is, for sure, one of my favorite movies of the year. While maybe not Best Picture material, it is certainly in the league of Silence of the Lambs.
— RATING —
