First off I would like to start with I really enjoyed these movies and books. Though they bring light to the topic of misogynistic men I think that it also sensationalizes it with the movies. Rape isn't romantic and it isn't pretty anyway you show it, and the videos did a really good job of portraying how brutal that is.
The original Swedish novel's title translated to 'Men who hate Women'. When it was being reprinted in english they decided to change the title to the less offensive, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. Personally I wouldn't have minded if they had kept the other title. It suited the purpose of the writer and got straight to the point.
It is said that in his past, Steig Larsson witnessed a rape of a girl named Lisbeth and did nothing to stop it. So this book was probably dedicated to the girl he could never forget. Most of his life was dedicated to stopping injustices whether they be rape, immigration issues, or racism. I do believe he was a great man.
The Swedish version of the movie gives more light to Lisbeth obsession with Blomkvist, her past, her pattern of thinking, and her relationships with others. The American version goes more into detail about her sexual relationship with Blomkvist, her attitude to others, and most importantly her way of dress. I think that they put a little too much emphasis on clothing in the American version, especially since they came out with an H&M clothing line for her. The only other problem that I had with the American version was that it didn't show much of her past like it did in the first one or the book and it kind of let the fact that she has a photographic memory slide by. Not to say that I didnt like the American version. All in all I think that it was really well put together and that I shouldnt have been so scared to watch it. If you havent seen either or read the books, you should. Not if you have a weak stomach or are a candy ass. It would probably give you nightmares.
American Version: 4 out of 5
Swedish Version: 5 out of 5
Books: 4 out of 5
The only reason the books scored so low is because they take a long time to read through. Not saying that there is a lot of pages, but its difficult to stay interested when there is so much description of useless things and not enough action. I still think that they warrant a read through though.
I watched the "swedish" version. I only saw the trailer of the american and I don´t liked it... I did not understand why america must always bring out a "american version" of everything...
ReplyDeleteThat's what I thought at first too, when I saw the trailer. I put off seeing the American version for so long because I hated that they remade it. But actually it was ok. It followed the story line pretty well and I think Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig did a good job. The Swedish version will always be my favorite though.
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