The first film focusses on disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist who is contacted by a rich industrialist, Henrik Vanger, to investigate his niece’s disappearance years prior. Meanwhile, Blomkvist is being tailed by uber-hacker Lisbeth Salander under orders from her security firm employers. However, after some grisly encounters with her legal guardian and a meeting with Mikael, Lisbeth joins the investigation into the Vanger family where everyone is a potential suspect.
The Cast - There was a long hunt to cast Salander. Keira Knightley, Natalie Portman, Kristen Stewart and Carey Mulligan were considered before the part went to relative newcomer Rooney Mara from David Fincher’s Oscar-winning Social Network. The role of Blomkvist went to recently married Daniel Craig who had time on his hands whilst the Bond franchise found emergency finance. Other parts went to Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgard and Robin Wright. It's certain that their performances will be forever compared to the original and in my opinion Noomi Rapace played Lisbeth perfectly with regard to the source material – Mara has her work cut out.
The Director - The film’s main hope in bettering the original is in its choice of director. David Fincher circled the remake from the beginning and after The Social Network he pretty much had the keys to any vehicle in Tinseltown. The fact that he went with with Dragon means he knows he’s up to the task. Fincher has a proven track record in literary adaptations with Fight Club, Zodiac and the forementioned Facebook smash. His great visual talent should perfectly capture the freezing winter environment, extreme dark undertones and the sadistic portrayal of violence.
The Trailer - The eagerly awaited teaser was released a couple of months back. The defining feature is the marmite-esque cover version of Led Zep’s Immigrant Song by Trent Reznor (with vocals from Karen O). I love it, but some may balk at the prospect of a Zeppelin cover.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo will be released in December 2011.
