5 things you should know about...

Five things you should know about…..
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

The Remake
For those souls that weren’t already aware this is based on the international bestselling novel by Steig Larsson. The book was already turned into a successful Swedish film adaptation along with the second and third instalments of the trilogy. Some may say they need not be adapted again and that people should ignore their prejudices against subtitled foreign language films and grow the frak up, an opinion Hollywood has chosen to ignore.

The Plot
The first film focuses on disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist who is contacted by a rich industrialist, Henrik Vanger, to investigate his niece’s disappearance years prior. Meanwhile Blomkvist is being tailed by uber-hacker Lisbeth Salander under orders from her security firm employers. However after some grisly encounters with her legal guardian and an encounter with Mikael, Lisbeth joins the investigation into the Vanger family where everyone is a potential suspect.



The Cast
There was a long hunt for who should have the honour of playing Salander as it will surely take the lucky one’s career to new heights. Actresses such as Keira Knightley, Natalie Portman, Kristen Stewart and Carey Mulligan were considered before the part went to relative newcomer Rooney Mara. Aside from unfortunately having the same name as a sadistic footballer she has previously featured in David Fincher’s Oscar Winning 'Social Network'. The role of Blomkvist was handed to recently married Daniel Craig who had some time on his hands whilst the Bond franchise was finding emergency finance. Other parts have been given to Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgard and Robin Wright. It's certain that their performances will be forever compared to the original and in my opinion Noomi Rapace played Lisbeth perfectly in regards to the character portrayed in the source material.

The Director
It's main strength is attempting to better the original is in it's choice of director. David Fincher circled the remake from the beginning and after 'The Social Network', he pretty much had the keys to any vehicle in Tinseltown. The fact that he decided to stick with 'Dragon' can only mean he knows he's up to the task. Fincher of course has a proven track record in adapting literature with 'Fight Club', 'Zodiac' and the forementioned facebook smash hit. His great visual talent will perfectly capture the freezing winter environment, extremely dark undertones and the sadistic portrayal of violence.

The Trailer
The eagerly awaited teaser was released a couple of months ago. The defining feature is the marmite-esque cover version of Immigrant Song by Trent Reznor with vocals from Karen O. I love it myself but some may balk at the prospect of Zeppelin cover attempts. The trailer is also perfectly edited to the track with gritty titles but have a look for yourself and comment right here.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo will be released in December 2011.

Adam Yates