The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) R

David Fincher (The Social Network, Fight Club) has become one of the most reliable directors in Hollywood in the past couple of years. His exceptional filmmaking ability is evident in every single take. We're truly blessed to still have such dedicated directors in these dark, dreary days. You combine Fincher's tremendous gift, Steve Zaillian's (Moneyball, American Gangster) spotless script, the game-changing original novel by Stieg Larsson and a brilliant cast and I think we may just have something here.

The unique and unusual novel, by the same name, is one of the best books I've ever read. The trilogy itself is an amazing achievement. So, I was extremely excited for Fincher's adaptation. While the Swedish films are adequate and serviceable, this film definitely puts them to shame.

The film centers around investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) and computer hacker/researcher Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara). Blomkvist has just been convicted of libel by a grand jury for spreading lies about corrupt businessman Hans-Erik Wennerstrom (Ulf Friberg). He's been sentenced to three months in prison; which he will serve some time down the road. Mikael thought he came across some damning evidence on Wennerstrom, but he was fed a bunch of lies by an old colleague.

Mikael is the co-owner of a hard-hitting magazine called "Millennium." Millennium is also co-owned by Mikael's friend and lover Erika Berger (Robin Wright). Erika is married, but subsequently sleeps with Mikael on a regular basis. Her husband knows about their affairs, but lives with the situation because of his love for Erika. Mikael's marriage ended in divorce because of their little predicament. Millennium is in a severe rough patch because of the case Mikael has just lost. They have lost credibility, and the magazine is in troubled waters.

Elsewhere, Salander works at Milton Security as a researcher. Only a handful of people know exactly where she gets her information; which comes from her tremendous hacking skills. Lisbeth is called upon by her boss, Dragan Armansky (Goran Visnjic), to do an extensive report on Mikael Blomkvist. A man named Dirch Frode (Steven Berkoff) asked for the revealing report. Frode works for an esteemed retired CEO, Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer), of Vanger Corporation. The conversation between Salander, Armansky and Frode is quite comical and gets the film off on the right foot.

Salander gives Frode the green light to hire Blomkvist if need be. The next day Frode contacts Mikael, and invites him to the town of Hedestad to meet and greet with Henrik and Dirch. Henrik has a job offer for Mikael; to find the murderer of his niece, Harriet. Harriet was allegedly murdered 36 years ago, but her body was never found. Henrik believes someone in his family ended her life.

Mikael is skeptical at first, but eventually takes the job offer. Mikael is under contract for one calender year. His main job is to write a book on the Vanger family history, but his side job is to find the killer. At the end of the year Mikael gets paid. Henrik will also give Mikael details that will put Wennerstrom behind bars. Wennerstrom worked for Vanger years earlier, and he has information that will end his reign of terror.

Each year for Henrik's birthday, Harriet would frame a flower and give it to him. However, he still gets a flower in the mail every year from her killer, to mock him. It's an intriguing case; one that will test the patience of Mikael. Mikael must move to Hedestad for this project. Erika is obviously very angry with Mikael, because he's leaving the magazine in a crucial time.

Before long, Mikael meets Henrik's brother and neighbor Martin (Stellan Skarsgard). Martin is a nice, somewhat quiet man. He now runs the Vanger company. He also meets Harriet's sister Anita (Joely Richardson); she's not too happy about Mikael's little research project. Henrik's younger sister Cecilia (Geraldine James) doesn't play much of a role in this film, unlike the book.

Meanwhile, Lisbeth's legal guardian, Holger Palmgren (Bengt C.W. Carlsson), suffers a severe stroke. Lisbeth is actually considered asocial and legally incompetent by the state, despite being quite brilliantly smart. Reason being that Lisbeth had a troubled past, and tried to kill her Father when she was younger. But now with her guardian incapacitated, she's given a new warden named Nils Bjurman (Yorick van Wageningen). Bjurman is demanding and arrogant. He takes away all of Lisbeth's assets and finances.

Unfortunately, Lisbeth must now do sexual favors in order to get money from Bjurman. He's one sick and ugly bastard, folks. She decides to video tape one of their "encounters," which happens to be the night he brutally rapes her for nearly two hours. She then takes the tapes to blackmail Bjurman. She tazes him, sticks things where they shouldn't be stuck in a man and tattoos his stomach with the phrase, "I am a sadistic pig, a pervert and a rapist." She forces him to release her assets, which he does so willingly out of fright.

Everything is back in order for Salander, and Blomkvist is enjoying his little vacation in Hedestad. One day Frode accidentally spills the beans about running a background check on Mikael. Blomkvist demands to see the manuscript, and is enraged when he finds deep, dark secrets only he would know. He gets Lisbeth's address and pays her a little visit. After talking it over with some coffee and bagels, she agrees to join him and find Harriet's murderer. Together they begin a dangerous and marvelous journey into the Vanger family history.

What I've described for you is about 1/3 of the film, believe it or not. This story is so deep, dark and complex. It truly is a lengthy, mesmerizing, masterpiece that will put you in a trance. The performances are simply phenomenal across the board. Christopher Plummer (Beginners, Inside Man) is probably a shoe-in for best supporting actor for his role in Beginners, but I found his performance here even more rewarding. Daniel Craig (Casino Royale, Cowboys & Aliens) has never been better, and I think he's not getting enough credit for nailing this difficult role. Rooney Mara (The Social Network, A Nightmare on Elm Street) is a revelation, simple as that. I never thought Noomi Rapace's portrayal of Lisbeth Salander could be touched, but Mara is quite deserving of best actress in my opinion.

Stellan Skarsgard (Thor, Angels & Demons), Steven Berkoff (A Clockwork Orange, Beverly Hills Cop) and Robin Wright (Forrest Gump, Unbreakable) are all terrific as well in their smaller, but meaningful roles. The original music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (The Social Network, The Book of Eli) is Oscar worthy, which should come as no surprise being as they won best Original Score just last year for The Social Network. I fell in love with the cinematography by Jeff Cronenworth (Fight Club, The Social Network) right from the opening scene.

If you've read the book, then this film is a must-see. I found it truer to the book than the 2009 Swedish film. Despite the first book being by far the best of the three, I'm extremely excited for the final two films that are set to be released in 2013. You're going to need a thick stomach to sit through this film; you've been warned. I know most people are going to enjoy this amazing film, but some are definitely going to be a bit lost early on if you haven't read the books. And some of you are going to want to puke during the rape scenes. With that being said, this is easily one of the two best films of 2011. Go see it if it's still available in your area!
A+