The opening scene immediately sets a tense and unsettling tone. Accompanied by a menacing score, the camera slowly and deliberately focuses – sometimes out of focus – on the unwrapping of a package. This package, postmarked from Hong Kong, contains a framed plant. As the camera pulls back, we see Sven-Bertil Taube, the man opening it. He holds the frame, lowers his head, and is overcome with emotion, slowly beginning to cry. This powerful, wordless opening perfectly encapsulates the atmosphere of Niels Arden Oplev’s Män som hatar kvinnor, internationally known as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
Based on the first novel in Stieg Larsson’s immensely popular Millennium series, the film was almost guaranteed box office success. However, simply being an adaptation of a bestseller doesn’t automatically translate to cinematic quality. For those unfamiliar with Larsson’s novels, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo stands firmly on its own as a compelling and impactful piece of filmmaking.
From the outset, Peter Fuchs’ score is striking, immediately establishing a serious and ominous mood. It evokes a sense of impending dread, reminiscent of Howard Shore’s score for David Fincher’s Se7en, and this feeling takes hold within the first few seconds of the film. This unsettling atmosphere is crucial as the movie plunges us into a cold and harsh reality, populated by a stellar cast drawn from Sweden’s acting elite. Actors like Gösta Bredenfeldt, Lena Endre, Ewa Fröling, Björn Granath, Peter Haber, and Marika Lagerkrantz, among others, enrich the film with their presence. Remarkably, they step back from the limelight, allowing the story to be driven by the two central figures: Mikael Blomkvist (Mikael Nyqvist), a journalist investigating a forty-year-old murder linked to a powerful family with Nazi ties, and Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace), the enigmatic 24-year-old computer hacker who becomes fascinated by Blomkvist’s perplexing case and secretly monitors his progress.
Mikael Nyqvist delivers a solid performance as Blomkvist, effectively portraying a character who, while central to the plot, is arguably overshadowed by his counterpart. Nyqvist successfully draws sympathy from the audience, even in his introduction when Blomkvist is convicted of libel and sentenced to prison. We understand his integrity and his drive for truth.
However, when the credits roll and the lights come up, it is undoubtedly the girl with the dragon tattoo, Lisbeth Salander, played with fierce intensity by Noomi Rapace, who remains etched in your memory. Forget the popcorn; it’s Rapace’s portrayal that lingers. With her leather and studs, piercings, heavy makeup, and biker-inspired aesthetic, Lisbeth is a character burdened by past and present traumas, both emotional and physical. She could easily have become a caricature, a tired trope of the “tough girl.” Instead, Noomi Rapace grounds Lisbeth in raw, authentic emotion, avoiding clichés and exaggerated acting. Behind the steel gaze and unyielding exterior, Rapace reveals a deeply complex and vulnerable individual. This authenticity makes the film’s most disturbing scenes, where Lisbeth endures horrific abuse, all the more impactful and difficult to watch. You might find yourself wanting to look away, but Rapace’s performance compels you to witness her ordeal.
The development of the relationship between Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander is perhaps the only aspect of the film that feels slightly rushed. However, this is a minor critique. This pacing choice, arguably, mirrors Blomkvist’s own experience of Lisbeth – an intriguing and somewhat unknowable figure. The audience, like Blomkvist, is left to piece together the puzzle of Lisbeth Salander.
Beyond the compelling leads, Peter Haber deserves special mention. He truly showcases his range and talent, proving he is capable of much more than comedic roles or playing the perpetually correct police officer. His performance adds another layer of depth to the already rich ensemble cast.
Despite a confessed aversion to Swedish cinema, often perceived as stiff and uninspired, this film breaks through those preconceptions. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a resounding exception, a film that demands attention. It is not a pleasant, light-hearted movie – far from it. This is a mature and disturbing thriller best suited for adult audiences. Leave the kids at home and seek out The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo at your nearest cinema or streaming platform. It is, without a doubt, one of the most captivating and thrilling Swedish films in recent years, and a powerful introduction to the complex world of Lisbeth Salander.
