This film is the second adaptation of the novel by Stieg Larsson. Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) is a young troubled, tattooed girl and Sweden’s best hacker. She is hired to spy on Mikael Blomqvist (Daniel Craig), a reporter who has written an allegedly false report on a business mogul and is facing prison. Lisbeth feels he has been framed when questioned by her employer.
Meanwhile Mikael is hired by the former head of Vanger Industries, Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) to solve the 40-year-old mystery of the disappearance/murder of his 16-year-old niece Harriet.
Before the two characters come together we learn that Lisbeth is forced by the government to have a legal guardian. This causes her some problems. To give away what happens would be to spoil the story. I will simply say that we learn just what kind of person Lisbeth is as she overcomes her situations.
The film’s pace is very deliberate and to the point. Mikael learns of the Vanger family and their history and finds out that he is investigating not just one, but many murders. Lisbeth meanwhile fights her own battles and we learn about her skills and abilities as well as the adversities she has to overcome.
Lisbeth and Mikael’s stories come together when Lisbeth is suggested as a research assistant for Mikael. Lisbeth’s keen detective skills become a great asset to the case. There is a nice parallel between Lisbeth’s life and the case that they are investigating. There is a theme throughout of women who are hurt by men that is executed very well. This is also complimented by the relationship between Lisbeth and Mikael which goes beyond professional as they get to know each other.
The music by Trent Reznor is superb. The acting especially by Rooney Mara is exceptional. I enjoyed this film as much as I enjoyed the previous adaptation. David Finscher is the perfect director for this type of mystery. He expertly blends together an old mystery with new high tech technology and complex characters. There is a a lot of cruelty shown in this film, but it mostly to aid the story. With the exception of one cruel scene, I think this is a near perfect mystery film.
***1/2 Three and a half stars
Director – David Finscher
Filmic Brevity 