Sweden or Us?

Years ago, not sure exactly when, I heard about the Girl with A Dragon Tattoo film and book series and found myself very interested in not only the film version but the literary version as well. Both are extremely well done and very entertaining, other than being trapped in reading subtitles.

Then I heard that David Fincher was stepping up and rebooting an American version, I have to say I was pretty excited. I am a huge Daniel Craig fan and had huge hopes that the franchise, Americanized, would not only excel but introduce an American audience to the books as well. Well, I've watched it and I'm sad to say the film wasn't all it should have been.
Let me explain.
The film has been Americanized, but in a negative way. The Swedish version was not only centered on the main story but on all the back stories, side stories, and character development as well. David Fincher changes scenes, adds scenes, his characters are shallow and hollow, and the film is just too fast paced. Tough Rooney Mara does make a good Lizbeth Salander, she doesn't come close to beating Noomi Repace in the same role. Fromt eh books to the film Lizbeth is a fighter and a warrior goddess, who has both style and venom when it comes to the action of the film. Mara comes off as a vindictive victim who has not only no social skills but dresses like a bum through the majority of the film. Daniel Craig is an improvement over Michael Nygvist, but his addition does little to save the film.
Add to the list Christopher Plummer and his cocky and condescending portrait of Henrik Vanger and the whole film is just a jumbled mess. David Fincher does almost nothing to prove that Americans can sit through a smart, sophisticated film. His pop culture regurgitation of a fine Swedish film just goes to prove that Americans have to be spoon fed in order to "get it".

For shame, for shame.

Girl with a Dragon Tattoo is entertaining but only on the mid range. Want to watch a great film, go rent the original.

J.