This film marks the first chapter in the American version of Stieg Larsson’s incredible trilogy. The story is a murder mystery very centered around sexual violence and its psychological effects on a person. It is certainly not the average film, and I do not recommend it for the average viewer.
The film is graphic. Except, graphic does not seem to really describe it. Some films push the limits of what is acceptable on screen further and further just to shock their audience into thinking what they have seen was original. This is the case with many of modern comedies as filmmakers expose viewers to more and more, physically and verbally. Other films, however, are graphic for a different reason. They use the images and sounds to give you a fraction of the understanding, a fraction of the experience, and a fraction of the horror the victims of tragedy experience. “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” is such a film.
The film is incredible. It carries such emotion and poignancy because of its topics: domestic violence, sexual abuse, and rape. While we don’t like to think about these things, the news makes it hard. Good movies change you—if in the slightest way—because they allow you to take a glimpse at something you couldn’t otherwise. Do not go see “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”! Not unless you are really prepared for what you will see and actually understand its significance. This film is extraordinarily powerful and easily one of the best of the year, but for some people there are doors best left closed.