When: February 25, 2012
Where: Hoyts Chadstone
I promised myself to finish reading the Millennium Series before I embarked on the films. I know
Where: Hoyts Chadstone
I promised myself to finish reading the Millennium Series before I embarked on the films. I know
of course of the original Swedish versions, but I thought I'd have a look at the US version for now.
In short, if I could fist bump the cinema screen I would have.
The casting was perfect, all the good bits from the book was transferred succinctly to the script and
all unnecessary story background and character relationships were cut.
Now for those who have not read the book:
There are 2 separate introductions to the main characters. The main characters don't interact with each other until later in the film. Which can be frustrating (you would not believe the patience required when reading the books, but boy was it worth it!)
Mikael "Kalle" Blomkvist has been discredited, successfully sued after having a story blow up in his face.
He is involved with a magazine called "Millennium" which will also suffer the repercussions. He's ready to lick his wounds when he gets a call from a Henrik Vagner to assist in the disappearance of his niece.
Henrik had commissioned a security firm to do background on Blomkvist which leads us to the cool entrance of Lisbeth Salander. Just a note, Lisbeth's boss "Armansky" has an underdeveloped role in the film, I hope they expand his role (as it should be) for the sequel.
In short, Blomkvist has to investigate The Vagners. Which is one FUBAR of a family. Nazis and Drunks and perhaps a killer? Henrik persuades Blomkvist to do a fresh investigation on the disappearance of his niece Harriet Vagner.
In the other story, Lisbeth is a ward of the state which means she cannot buy anything or do anything without someones approval. Due to an unfortunate event, she lands with another Legal Guardian who is one nasty piece of shit who deserved everything he got. Which makes you appreciate the fact that YOU DO NOT WANT TO MESS WITH LISBETH SALANDER.
The characters eventually meet when Blomkvist requests a research assistant.
Through research and Lisbeth's uncanny computer skills, they stumble upon the fact they have discovered a serial killer.
And I'm sure plenty of women would also want to be "working" with Daniel Craig : ) But as in the book, Blomkvist is a bit of a man whore.
And for those who complain that the movie focused on their relationship, it is directly associated with the book.
And for those who complain that the movie focused on their relationship, it is directly associated with the book.
Scene by Scene is nearly a carbon copy of the book, which I'm very glad of. As a Stephen King reader, I have been more than disappointed at the hideous transference of his novels to film.
One complaint: There should have been more golf swings!
"I need money"
"Sure...." *reaches for wallet*
"No, I need 62000"
"I don't have that money"
"You have 65000 from your two accounts. I'm sorry that I know that, but I do"
9/10
Bring on The Girl Who Played With Fire and I wonder, will characters also say "And have you stuffed something in your bra?"
