The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
(Män som hatar kvinnor)
This is an intelligent thriller, based on the first part of Stieg Larsson's 'Millennium Trilogy'. It's an epic story which, appropriately, takes its time to establish characters and narrative threads. On the surface, it's a gripping murder mystery. Dig below and you discover an uncomfortable examination of the darker side of society; an examination of the flaws inherent in the justice system, hypocrisy in social care, police incompetence and the corrupting power of wealth.
The original Swedish title translates as "men who hate women" and the central theme of the film is misogyny - from sexual discrimination to sexual violence. The film is uncompromising in its vivid depiction of the latter, particularly the brutal rape of the title character, Lisbeth Salander.
Salander, played superbly by Noomi Rapace, is one of the most important and complex female characters in modern cinema. She's a social outcast; a genius; a victim and perpetrator of sadistic violence. Her back-story is the basis for the second film in the series, 'The Girl who Played with Fire', which, frustratingly, won't be released in cinemas until the autumn. Boo!
After watching this movie, it occurred to me that two of the best films I've seen in the last 12 months are Swedish (the other being 'Let the Right One In'). Both are currently being re-made in Hollywood. Please see the originals: they're perfect examples of the creative passion, artistic flair and sinister darkness that defines Nordic cinema.
