Welcome to a brand new addition of Showtime with Sasha. Today we’ll examine the phenomenon that is “The Millennium Trilogy” or, more specifically, the latest adaptation of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”
When the Swedish journalist Stieg Larsson died in 2004, he left behind the three unpublished novels we have come to know as “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “The Girl who Played with Fire” and “The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.”
The three books first became Swedish language films starting in 2009. Now, in 2011, David Fincher, known for “Seven” and “Fight Club,” has released an adaptation in English starring Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig.
I can’t get over how original Larsson’s characters seem or the remarkable way in which they are all tossed together.
Mikael Blomkvist is a financial reporter charged with libel. Henrik Vanger is a wealthy industrialist haunted by the disappearance of his niece, Harriet, decades prior. Vanger hires Blomkvist to investigate the case, but first commissions Milton Security to perform a background check on the writer to prove Blomkvist is trustworthy. Milton Security puts Lisbeth Salander on the case.
Before you know it, Blomvkist and Lisbeth have teamed up to uncover Harriet’s mystery. It leads them to a string of atrocious murders, likely perpetrated by someone living on the remote Swedish island where they are staying.
Now, because I enjoyed the Swedish-language films, I felt Rooney had very big shoes to fill. Noomi Rapace did an astounding job in bringing Lisbeth to life first. I was very critical of Rooney’s performance, but I have to say, she comes out aces!
I’m definitely a fan!
I can’t be too clear however, that “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” has content that is difficult to watch and has an R rating for good reason.
Tack (That’s Swedish for thank you!).

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