Books on the Big Screen: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

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Posted by Dana on 05.03.2010 at 2:15 pm

girlwithdragontattoomovie Most of the time when I write about a book being made into a movie I am comparing Hollywood’s interpretation to the author’s. This time it’s a little different. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO has been made into a movie, but not in Hollywood. The movie, which is in theaters now, is Swedish (as of course was the book) and it’s a whole different ballgame than the Hollywood razzle dazzle.

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The movie is long and a bit graphic, but that’s not the part that’s so un-Hollywood. It’s the casting that was really different from how Hollywood does it. The characters actually look the way they are described in the book. Like real people. They’re not Hollywood buff. No one appeared to have any Botox in their foreheads and there were attractive women that were actually over 40 and looked it. Yay for Sweden. Hollywood should take a lesson.

In addition to that, it’s a really good movie. Very true to the book, wonderfully acted and directed. Of course, Hollywood also has the rights so it should be interesting to see how the American version differs not just from the book, but from this Swedish film adaptation. Stay tuned…

As for other books on the big screen, I haven’t gotten around to checking out the two recent movies based on Nicholas Sparks books, DEAR JOHN and THE LAST SONG, but both looked interesting. I hate to admit that I didn’t make it to the theater for THE BLIND SIDE, but now that it’s out on video I’ll definitely being Netflixing it.

And if you haven’t heard, in August EAT, PRAY, LOVE will be released. I’ve heard a few negative comments about Julia Roberts playing the lead – but I’m reserving judgment until I see it.

Do you have a favorite screen adaptation? Least favorite? Do tell.

6 Comments » | Tagged Books on the Big Screen, Dear John, eat pray love, The Blind Side, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Last Song

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1. Auntie M - May 3, 2010

Loved the book,Girl with DT, just finished the sequel, The Girl who Played with Fire. Even better, if that is possible. Hate to read the third as I know it’s the last.

2. Sri - May 6, 2010

Hi,

Qucik question, who builds your donation boxes? I know your boxes say they are built in the USA.

Thanks

Sri

3. Cylene - May 7, 2010

I read Brain Morton’s “Starting Out In the Evening”
and so loved it that I dared not see the movie, however, all critics thought it was good and it even won a nomination for Frank Langella. Instead, I just became a fan of Mr. Morton’s and ran out to buy all his other books.

4. sharon - May 21, 2010

The books were great and the movie did not disappoint. It was CSI meets Wall Street. I have recommended this book and movie to all of my friends.

5. Tattoo Supplies Los Angeles - May 31, 2010

I think that the movie was quite good concerning they were trying to capture the entire book.

6. Tom - June 6, 2010

There are only two books that I have ever read cover to cover, without stopping. The first was The Stand by Stephen King way back in the late 70s; the second was Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I missed my chance to see the film, but I can wait for the DVD. I agree with Auntie M that Larsson’s untimely death is a terrible loss–not merely in literary terms–but as a voice for those who cannot speak, cannot scream the injustice of crimes perpetrated by violent hate groups. The sad thing is that now an American film version of the book is in the works; and though it will no doubt pale in comparison to Niels Oplev’s original, people will probably flock to see it because they didn’t want to deal with subtitles. But there’s no two American actors who could equal Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyqvist. IMHO