David Fincher Confirmed for Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Part 1

[DACrowe]

The first book is one of the best whodunits I've read in the last decade because it is so convoluted in its set-up, yet so basic, that you can almost believe it as real. The ending of Harriet being alive is a twist nobody ever sees coming and is hugely subversive of the genre (the scene where she and Henrik finally reunite is far more moving in the book than the Fincher movie) and most of all Lisbeth Salander is one of the most memorable protagonists in a long time. By making it also about Mikael's journalism career and Lisbeth avenging herself from men who would abuse her just makes it stand out from run-of-the-mill mysteries. The latter works well on film, but the former does drag a cinematic narrative down--hence why I think the Swedish one is paced better by removing it much more than the American version did. But on the page? It's great.

The second book is more of page-turning thriller. It is far pulpier and less impressive as the first one. In fact the first 80-100 pages is like a separate short story that I'd call "Salander Goes on Holiday." I expect Zallian to cut it out completely, just like the Swedes did. But the book is ultimately very entertaining and is an amazing page-turner. Larsson grinds his political axe well in this one on sex trafficking and throws in ridiculous Fleming-esque elements like Niedermann (the seven foot tall insane hitman who cannot feel pain) and "Zala." But it works as pure entertainment and Lisbeth's wrath in the final chapters is something to behold. And it's one the Americans can do better because Daniel Alfredson's attempt at action and a rollercoaster narrative fell flat in the Swedish film and felt amateur. Though, I will say he and Noomi got the 2-3 final scenes of the book and Lisbeth's relationship with Mimi right, but not much else.

The third book is a convoluted mess. It honestly reads like a first draft and if Larsson had lived, I'm sure his editor would have had him go back and rewrite much of it. His political axe grinds into Swedish neoconservatives and the Secret Police (or Sapo) well and he explores the injustices in the mental health community with Lisbeth but it's ultimately a trial story with a lot of unnecessary subplots involving Mikael falling in love with a boring side character and a pointless narrative circle Erika runs around for half the book. The Swedish film did a good job of adapting it by losing almost all of that stuff (save for the stalker subplot that is reconfigured to be part of the main story) and made the trial more tnesion filled until the end.

 

[Wolfwood]

DaCrowe, you got me jacked for the rest of the series.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

I am going to read the 2nd book as soon as I finish The Amber Spyglass from His Dark Materials trilogy which i'm reading at the moment. I loved the first book and loved the US film so cant wait to get into the rest of the trilogy.

 

[SuperSoldier985]

Movie hasn't gotten much love so far award-wise...It kinda reminds me of how stacked the last few months have been when it comes to films...

 

[Hamill-Joker]

Just announced that the Editor's Guild nominated Dragon Tattoo for Best Editing -Drama.

So that is Producers, Writers, Directors, Cinematographers, and Editors Guilds that have nominated Dragon Tattoo.

A good sign for a possible Best Picture nomination at the Oscars.

 

[Crockett]

It's definitely a possibility, at least we know it can secure nods for cinematography, score and editing, that's where the film has more chance to win.

 

[Drz]

The first book is one of the best whodunits I've read in the last decade because it is so convoluted in its set-up, yet so basic, that you can almost believe it as real. The ending of Harriet being alive is a twist nobody ever sees coming and is hugely subversive of the genre (the scene where she and Henrik finally reunite is far more moving in the book than the Fincher movie) and most of all Lisbeth Salander is one of the most memorable protagonists in a long time. By making it also about Mikael's journalism career and Lisbeth avenging herself from men who would abuse her just makes it stand out from run-of-the-mill mysteries. The latter works well on film, but the former does drag a cinematic narrative down--hence why I think the Swedish one is paced better by removing it much more than the American version did. But on the page? It's great.

The second book is more of page-turning thriller. It is far pulpier and less impressive as the first one. In fact the first 80-100 pages is like a separate short story that I'd call "Salander Goes on Holiday." I expect Zallian to cut it out completely, just like the Swedes did. But the book is ultimately very entertaining and is an amazing page-turner. Larsson grinds his political axe well in this one on sex trafficking and throws in ridiculous Fleming-esque elements like Niedermann (the seven foot tall insane hitman who cannot feel pain) and "Zala." But it works as pure entertainment and Lisbeth's wrath in the final chapters is something to behold. And it's one the Americans can do better because Daniel Alfredson's attempt at action and a rollercoaster narrative fell flat in the Swedish film and felt amateur. Though, I will say he and Noomi got the 2-3 final scenes of the book and Lisbeth's relationship with Mimi right, but not much else.

The third book is a convoluted mess. It honestly reads like a first draft and if Larsson had lived, I'm sure his editor would have had him go back and rewrite much of it. His political axe grinds into Swedish neoconservatives and the Secret Police (or Sapo) well and he explores the injustices in the mental health community with Lisbeth but it's ultimately a trial story with a lot of unnecessary subplots involving Mikael falling in love with a boring side character and a pointless narrative circle Erika runs around for half the book. The Swedish film did a good job of adapting it by losing almost all of that stuff (save for the stalker subplot that is reconfigured to be part of the main story) and made the trial more tnesion filled until the end.

Your posts have made me really wanna check out the Blu-ray collection of the Swedish films, how do you feel about the extended editions of the Swedish films?

 

[CapedCrusader14]

I bought the novel the other day (twas' really cheap). Hope to get around to reading it after I've finished reading these other 3 books

 

[DACrowe]

Your posts have made me really wanna check out the Blu-ray collection of the Swedish films, how do you feel about the extended editions of the Swedish films?

I haven't seen the extended versions. I would like to see them for the first two films because the final scene of the first book (Lisbeth buying a Christmas present for Mikael and seeing him with Erika, then trashing it) is not in the 2.5-hour version I own, but is in the EE. That's one bit that makes me really like Fincher's version for leaving it in. The second film is also a bit disjointed, so a 3-hour version may work better. The third film at 2.5 hours is about right and it cuts so much fat out of the book that I don't really want to see any of it return.

I recommend the Swedish films, but as I said the second one does feel "amateur" (Daniel Alfredson replaced Niels Oplev as director and did not seem as confident with the second film as he was with the third). The third is a satisfying finale on the characters and I think plays even better if you've read the book and see how much meandering they've trimmed for a tighter film.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

It's definitely a possibility, at least we know it can secure nods for cinematography, score and editing, that's where the film has more chance to win.

Unfortunately this is true, but IMO Mara, Fincher and whoever did the score also derserve nods.

 

[Crockett]

Unfortunately this is true, but IMO Mara, Fincher and whoever did the score also derserve nods.

Mara however won't get nominated, she had only a GG nod to back her up for the race but that's it. It's a shame but it's already a tough race for the lead actress. Reznor & Ross will certainly get nominated again but only thing that's stopping them is that they've already won, Bource (The Artist) is going to get that one. Same goes for Baxter & Wall, it's between Bion & Hanazavicius or Schoonmaker. Dragon Tattoo is surging with PGA, WGA & even DGA for Fincher, yes it's just one but it's a big boost so he may be grabbing the last spot besides Payne, Hanazavicius, Allen and Scorsese. A BP nod seems possible in the moment.

I'm happy enough that it'll grab some nominations but who knows, they may throw a curveball at us and give us more nominations that we could've expected.

 

[RKO]

Would've been nice to see Trent Reznor win Golden Globes back to back.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Mara however won't get nominated, she had only a GG nod to back her up for the race but that's it. It's a shame but it's already a tough race for the lead actress. Reznor & Ross will certainly get nominated again but only thing that's stopping them is that they've already won, Bource (The Artist) is going to get that one. Same goes for Baxter & Wall, it's between Bion & Hanazavicius or Schoonmaker. Dragon Tattoo is surging with PGA, WGA & even DGA for Fincher, yes it's just one but it's a big boost so he may be grabbing the last spot besides Payne, Hanazavicius, Allen and Scorsese. A BP nod seems possible in the moment.

I'm happy enough that it'll grab some nominations but who knows, they may throw a curveball at us and give us more nominations that we could've expected.

Mara not getting a nomination would be criminal to me, she went above and beyond what she needed to to embody the character and on top of that her performance was amazing, I dont put much stock in the oscars anyway, but if she isnt nominated I will probably lose interest in them altogether.

 

[Crockett]

Mara not getting a nomination would be criminal to me, she went above and beyond what she needed to to embody the character and on top of that her performance was amazing, I dont put much stock in the oscars anyway, but if she isnt nominated I will probably lose interest in them altogether.

She was great, no doubt but at least she's in a better position than other actresses like Olsen & Dunst, who is not getting more recognition for their performances no matter how good it was, I wish sometimes that Williams is out even though I think she's an outstanding actress she is, Oscar-baitish movie and to me it doesn't seem to be on-par performance as her others like in Blue Valentine but playing an icon + Weinsteins = nod so yeah, but that's not a fair judgement since I haven't seen the movie.
Dragon Tattoo has a chance to get a BP nod so it normally would have to grab a Best Actress and Director nod as well. We only could hope.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

^Yep, I really hope it gets both as it deserves it, also, a few months ago did Fincher mention there would be an extended cut of the movie on blu-ray?

 

[Crockett]

^Yep, I really hope it gets both as it deserves it, also, a few months ago did Fincher mention there would be an extended cut of the movie on blu-ray?

Doesn't look like it.

Are you going to release the additional footage?

Fincher: Nope.

So that footage is never going to see the light of day?

Fincher: No, I don’t believe in that. I’m a final cut director. Oliver Stone’s a final cut director. Why would JFK, the one we saw, be different from the one that’s on the DVD? Tell your story, man.

100%, except that studios today release extended cuts and unrated editions.

Fincher: I don’t believe in that. I think that’s like jerk-off land. Put your best foot forward.

Okay, let me ask you this, Lord of the Rings, the theatrical versions are fantastic; the extended versions for the fans are amazing.

Fincher: I’ve never seen them, the extended versions.

I would argue that the extended version of Fellowship of the Ring is better than the theatrical version because you get more character stuff and it’s an amazing extended edition. I would imagine for fans of the book, and fans of yours, they would really love to see twenty more minutes of your material. I would argue that a lot of people would like to see the footage.

Fincher: And they may, but I took out stuff that I thought was weak. I took out stuff that I didn’t think was as good as the other stuff. There were moments that I would have wanted to have had, but it either killed the pace of the thing or it gave you an impression that the movie was starting again. I’m happy with this version of it. I won’t be re-opening this thirty years from now and re-digitizing it in 8k.

http://collider.com/david-fincher-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo-interview/133678/

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

^Gutted, really thought the movie could have done with a bit more meat in parts and think an EE would have addressed that. Oh well, still loved the movie.

 

[Crockett]

I would've love to see some additional footage as well but you know what? I don't mind. The theatrical cut is the one we'll have to live with from now on and we may not realize it but when we'll look back a few years from now I think we'd be glad we have only one version of the film.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

^Yeah, i'm not a fan of double-dips or anything but I thought this movie could do with a bit more meat at points, us not getting it doesnt dissapoint me greatly as I loved the film as it was.

 

[amazingfantasy15]

I saw the movie over the weekend and was really disappointed with it. The movie just felt so cold and by the numbers. Most of the "exposition" scenes felt like the actors were just reading the script with no emotion at all. I didn't feel anything for any of the characters because none of the relationships were developed at all. You really should've felt the pain Henrik has and the longing for this mystery to be solved and how at rock bottom Mikael feels. Everyone talks about Lisbeth, but the first book is more about Henrik, Hariett and Mikael than Lisbeth. Also, the changed ending was awful, really just piss-poor writing.

 

[Pink Ranger]

I respect Fincher's decision. Sometimes extended cuts are good, but many times they are not. The fact that the interviewer used Fellowship of the Ring as an example of a "good" extended version erodes his credibility too. :

 

[RKO]

I saw the movie over the weekend and was really disappointed with it. The movie just felt so cold and by the numbers. Most of the "exposition" scenes felt like the actors were just reading the script with no emotion at all. I didn't feel anything for any of the characters because none of the relationships were developed at all. You really should've felt the pain Henrik has and the longing for this mystery to be solved and how at rock bottom Mikael feels. Everyone talks about Lisbeth, but the first book is more about Henrik, Hariett and Mikael than Lisbeth. Also, the changed ending was awful, really just piss-poor writing.

I thought that ending was in the book. As well as the Swedish extended version, so I've read.

 

[DACrowe]

Mara not getting a nomination would be criminal to me, she went above and beyond what she needed to to embody the character and on top of that her performance was amazing, I dont put much stock in the oscars anyway, but if she isnt nominated I will probably lose interest in them altogether.

I really am not surprised. Last year I was shocked and angry Noomi wasn't nominated--even though Natalie Portman clearly deserved to win the award--and this year, them snubbing Rooney is just more of the same. It's simply not an Oscar-friendly role. If she was already famous and then transformed herself or "uglied" herself up? Yeah, she'd be a frontrunner. But for a newcomer? They will not care.

 

[amazingfantasy15]

I thought that ending was in the book. As well as the Swedish extended version, so I've read.

Should have clarified, what happened to Hariett

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

I respect Fincher's decision. Sometimes extended cuts are good, but many times they are not. The fact that the interviewer used Fellowship of the Ring as an example of a "good" extended version erodes his credibility too. :

Considering all of the LOTR movies were improved by the extended editions and are universally praised for doing so I personally dont see how it does, but to each his own.

I really am not surprised. Last year I was shocked and angry Noomi wasn't nominated--even though Natalie Portman clearly deserved to win the award--and this year, them snubbing Rooney is just more of the same. It's simply not an Oscar-friendly role. If she was already famous and then transformed herself or "uglied" herself up? Yeah, she'd be a frontrunner. But for a newcomer? They will not care.

It is pretty stupid the way it works, you can clearly see the girl transformed herself anyway, and on top of that she gave a superb and fearless performance, I cant speak for Noomi as havent seen the Swedish versions but from what I know have seen she pretty much did the same.