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February 14, 2012
'Millennium' film opens to rousing US reviews
Published: 19 Mar 10 14:23 CET | Double click on a word to get a translation
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/25630/20100319/
The first of the Stieg Larsson "Millennium" trilogy films, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, has opened to rousing reviews from US critics and audiences not known for cherishing obscure subtitled films from Scandinavia.
- Larsson's partner 'didn't just proofread' trilogy (26 Jan 10)
- Best Picture honours for first 'Millennium' thriller (26 Jan 10)
- 'Millennium' trilogy heading to Hollywood (16 Dec 09)
The San Diego Union Tribune similarly urges cinema audiences to look beyond the lack of household names among the cast, its 150 minute duration, and the inconvenience of the film being in an unfamiliar Nordic tongue.
The newspaper goes as far as to suggest that Noomi Rapace should recreate her interpretation of the Lisbeth Salander character even in the Hollywood remake.
"Sure, Hollywood could translate this film into something worth watching, but it’s doubtful they would make such an edgy — and risky — casting choice for the crucial role of Lisbeth (as Noomi Rapace)," the newspaper writes.
The Chicago Sun Times star critic Roger Ebert is of the same opinion.
"I can't think of an American actress who could play Lisbeth... Someone able to play hard as nails and emotionally unavailable. Make her a Swede, and simply cast Noomi Rapace."
The film is based on the first of the posthumously published Stieg Larsson trilogy of books which also includes The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest. All three books have been made into Swedish language films, directed by the Dane Niels Arden Oplev and the Swede Daniel Alfredson.
The films are scheduled for a Hollywood remake with Steven Zaillian (Schindler's List) drafted in as screenwriter. Kristen Stewart and Ellen Page have been named as possible alternatives to play Lisbeth Salander.
Noomi Rapace received Best Actress honours at the Swedish film awards in January for her portrayal of the mesmerizing hacker-heroine, who it seems is now having the same effect on a willing US public.
Peter Vinthagen Simpson
news@thelocal.se
+46 8 656 6518
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Don't be too afraid, I know hollywood is capable of ruining this story but the directors I've heard mentioned (Quentin Tarrentino, Martin Scorcesse) are top notch and have experience bringing print to film.
Sissygirl, if you want the third book now order it from Amozon Uk, it worked for me, I live in Chicago Illinois.
I'm actually afraid of what Hollywood will do. They're already great films, there's not much they could do to improve them.
This surely is the quote of the year,
most likely quote of the the decade,
and possibly even the quote of the Millennium!
The quote about only a Swedish woman could play such a role is also interesting. So many people seem to understand the depth of that quote.
Too difficult to watch and read the subtitles at the same time just like you can't walk and chew a gum?
If there is a remake, let Noomi Rapace be Lisbeth Salander. I am pretty sure she will do another marvellous job just as in the first film.
@pintoflex:
I don't think the movies are that terrible. For the first film, Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyqvist act very passionate, thus the film is passionate. But for the sequel, especially second movie, there are great flaws. Nevertheless, they recover the sequel very well in the last movie.
For the dubbing and subtitle thing, Americans must learn to read a subtitle and must respect the dubbing other than English. A great example is Valkyrie. The plot and the cast are pretty powerful, yet, I cannot say it's really affecting due to the english dubbing. So, the book itself reflects the culture and the past of Sweden, so let it stay in Swedish.
Regards.
@Jazzllllove, you are probably confusing the US with France, Italy, Spain. I cant remember seeing a foreign movie in the US which was dubbed. Now, trying finding an English language movie in France or any of the other countries I mentioned and you will have to walk loads. Remember the movie the green mile? John Coffee? He had a double bassed Barry White voice? welll, the French dubbed it and he sounded like a castrated rooaster. try youtubing la ligne vert and listen to his voice
You make some interesting points. Strindberg and Munch had different ideas, but Ibsen would probably agree..
Scientific evidence is mixed. Recent high profile paper in Nature, for example, refutes the preconception that testosterone only causes aggressive or egoistic behavior in humans: http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2009/12/09/2766165.htm
I say, there is room for improvement in both sexes. There is surely need for more study and respectful dialog, less simplistic ideology.
Why can't Americans be more openminded to foreign movies?
not any better than a tv movie (notwithstanding all the hard to watch bits)
/ mia, gothenburg, sweden
I don't see the need for another adaptation but there are enough ignorant American's who are willing to snub The Swedish for an English version. But who knows what Zaillian is going to do with the source material. The master scribe might take a completely different route.
Rapace suggests Evan Rachel Wood but I hope Ellen Page gets the role. Her roles in The Tracey Fragments and Hard Candy are the perfect balance for the Salander character. She also fits the physical description for Salander better than anyone else (Rapace included.) Noomi pulled off one of the female performances of the last decade and I think even the most talented of actresses with Fincher's direction won't come close. Looking at the Academy's best actresses of the 2000s (The Winslets, Swanks, Therons and The Mirrens) I can honestly say that Noomi's turn as Lisbeth Salander is superior to all.
http://www.filmbuffs.net/