Student Film Reviews

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1. Byron Potau 01.12.12 / 4pm

   I agree Rooney Mara’s performance was excellent. I much preferred her over Noomi Rapace in the Swedish version. I actually liked Daniel Craig in this role. Though not extraordinary, I thought he did well. The film itself I felt was a little above average, but nothing really special. The fact that it climaxes about a half hour before the film ends was a big problem for me. I also wasn’t drawn into the mystery as I didn’t find it that interesting. Mara’s performance is what drove the film. I hope she gets the recognition she deserves.
2. Linda Lopez 01.27.12 / 11am

   I will never understand the need to reproduce an American-version of the Girl with the Golden Tattoo since the original Swedish movie was excellent and didn’t need to be Americanized. What’s the point?
3. Sofia Arnbom 01.27.12 / 11am

   I have to disagree with you about Rooney Mara preforming the role of Lisbeth Salander better than Noomi Rapace. I thought that Plummer had made Salander more “mentally retarded” in the American version and I do not think she is that. I thought both of the movies were very good.
4. Al Canzano 01.27.12 / 11am

   I think it is safe to say that the character of Lisbeth Salander is what fascinated David Fincher most in the story. Fincher has certainly attained some prestige for his elaborate, visually-striking opening credit sequences and does not disappoint as the sequence reflects some of the characteristics and psyche of Salander with symbols flashing on screen drenched in black ink merging together.
5. Bethany Burns 01.29.12 / 8pm

   I felt as though the sound track really kept to the pace of the film better than any of the actors did to their characters. I don’t think any actress could ever perform the character better than Noomi Rapace in the first film.

   I was not particularly impressed with this film. Why re make a film that is only 2 years old, that was amazing to begin with.
6. OliverThomas 01.29.12 / 8pm

   I really enjoyed this film for many different reasons. The film location is beautiful and the character Lisbeth Salander was very intriguing. I think Daniel Craig’s performance was excellent even though Kathleen did not. The movie stays interesting the whole time because there is no lack in character. The Actors in the film fit there roles perfectly and they all gave great performances. The twist and turns of the missing girl kept me off my seat the whole time. Overall I think it was one of the years greatest films and I really enjoyed watching it.
7. Charles Starr 02.04.12 / 4pm

   Hey Hollywood! get your own ideas and stop marketing regurgitated, high budget films to an audience that won’t/can’t read a book, or sit through a film with subtitles…end rant.
   I experienced the book and enjoyed the real version of the film immensely. After much debate I decided to go see it. What can I say? If you can’t do it better please don’t do it. In the same fashion as Let The Right One In. You guys ruined another one congrats.
8. Natanya Maskart 02.15.12 / 11pm

   Although i have not seen this film yet, i have heard nothing but great things about it and am so excited to see it. I had the opportunity to go to the virtuosos awards and hear Rooney speak about the film which was very cool and interesting and am excited to see the english version.
9. Gabriella Rodriguez 02.27.12 / 11pm

   I saw this movie in the theaters and really enjoyed it and its unique style. This film is different from any other film and is also based on a set of novels. This movie was extremely intense and showed some very intense scenes. The main character is an alpha female and rocked the character. I thought the storyline was very interesting and had a very different style t it. The only downfall about the film is that it is extremely long. But it is worth it!
10. Emma Carlsson 03.16.12 / 2pm

    I agree with you about the somewhat questionable decision of having Daniel Craig as Blomkvist. The personality of the character came through much better with the original Swedish actor Michael Nyqvist. Craig’s version becomes very plain and blend, “just there” – while Nyqvist has a better presence. Also I personally think the relationship between Blomkvist and Salander is better portrayed in the Swedish version; it is much more complicated, where we see Blomkvist really care for Salander. I also didn’t care for the change in the Harriet-story. I didn’t see the point. Overall I prefer the original Swedish version – but that may be because I’m swedish so I’m some-what biased. But when it comes to cinematography no doubt Fincher did a better job.
11. Luke Barrett 03.16.12 / 5pm

    Hey Kathleen,

    I really enjoyed reading this review. Specifically “Turns out, the two dig so deeply, they discover a serial killer directly linked to the family, who’s a dreadfully sick bastard.” I couldn’t have said it any better.

    This is one of my favorite books and Fight Club is my favorite film. I love David Fincher’s directing style. I like how you said he uses “sickening yellow tones to effect uneasiness within the audience”. You definitely see that frequently in Fight Club as well.

    I think you did a great job with this review and I especially like your harsh, and accurate, descriptions of the characters. If you haven’t had a chance, read this book!
12. Carina Sarbeck 04.02.12 / 5pm

    I think David Fincher’s film, the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo was very suspenseful and overall great. Although I haven’t read the series of the books that this movie originated from, I caught on to the concept of the movie pretty quickly and was always on my toes wondering what would happen next! I thought Rooney Mara did an excellent job in her performance as she portrayed her very dark, but extremely brilliant character. She not only played the part adequately, but she also looked exactly to how she acted. To be honest, I forgot she was acting the majority of the movie, which I think is an important overall aspect to a successful film. I thought the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo was well done, considering I haven’t read the book series and would definitely see the sequels when they are released.
13. Reyes Munoz 04.07.12 / 8pm

    Awesome review. When it comes to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, one question automatically arises: Which version is better, the Swedish version or the American version? Truth is, after watching both films I have reached my own verdict: they are both excellent films in their own respect. Narratively, the Swedish version comes on top while the American version is much more stylish and beautifully shot which is what Fincher is known for. The American version also felt much more suspenseful, like a Hitchcock film, while the Swedish version managed to cut to the chase and present the story up front in a way that gave it a foreign-film-feel.
14. Aubree Weyrick 04.08.12 / 12pm

    I thought that this film was phenomenal. I thought the story was enticing, and the actors played really well off of each other. There was not a dull moment in this film. I have not seen the Swedish version, but I hear it is even better so I am going to have to go rent it.
15. Jensen Simon 04.08.12 / 1pm

    This movie is by far one of my favorite movies. This review did a good job of summarizing the main points in this film and I like how this review pointed out the amazing acting performance given by Rooney Mara. I could not agree more about her performance and I do not believe anyone could have played her role better than she did. Also, I like how in the review it states, “Fincher offers a highly stylized version, with the usual slick title credits, and his use of the sickening yellow tones to effect uneasiness within the audience.” The way Fincher edited this film gave the film more meaning and allowed the audience to successfully feel and understand what was going on.
16. mnchristensen 07.07.12 / 11am

    Upon seeing The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I heard mixed reviews about it. Some people told me it was horrible and gruesome, others told me it was one of the best thrillers they had ever seen. Regardless, I am so happy I decided to watch it because it was a heart-pounding thriller that kept me guessing the entire time. I read the book before I saw the film, and I was delighted to see that the American remake of the Swedish film made in 2009, kept close the original book and story. Rooney Mara was absolutely brilliant in her role as Lisbeth Sander, a emotionally damaged, but equally intelligent young woman. Daniel Craig seemed cold in his role as journalist Mikael Blomkvist. The two together though, made a very interesting combination that was exciting to watch. I was a little eeked though when Mikael and Lisbeth began to sleep together, because I viewed their relationship as more of a pseudo father daughter thing (because Lisbeth clearly didn’t have a very stable home life), than anything sexual. But that in itself says a lot to the film. It’s not about being touchy feely; it’s a cold hard thriller with twists, turns, and excitement to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
17. Michelle Christensen 07.07.12 / 11am

    Upon seeing The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I heard mixed reviews about it. Some people told me it was horrible and gruesome, others told me it was one of the best thrillers they had ever seen. Regardless, I am so happy I decided to watch it because it was a heart-pounding thriller that kept me guessing the entire time. I read the book before I saw the film, and I was delighted to see that the American remake of the Swedish film made in 2009, kept close the original book and story. Rooney Mara was absolutely brilliant in her role as Lisbeth Sander, a emotionally damaged, but equally intelligent young woman. Daniel Craig seemed cold in his role as journalist Mikael Blomkvist. The two together though, made a very interesting combination that was exciting to watch. I was a little eeked though when Mikael and Lisbeth began to sleep together, because I viewed their relationship as more of a pseudo father daughter thing (because Lisbeth clearly didn’t have a very stable home life), than anything sexual. But that in itself says a lot to the film. It’s not about being touchy feely; it’s a cold hard thriller with twists, turns, and excitement to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
18. Alexa Stevinson 07.24.12 / 11pm

    This movie has to be one of the best films ever created. I have seen both the American and Swedish version and hate the American version. I also read the book and believe that the Swedish version did a much better job on the film. The Swedish aren’t as afraid to cross the line and I believe that is what made this version so much better. The acting was so believable and made me feel as though I was watching something so true right before my eyes. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo was a movie like none other and will stick with me for years, if not ever.
19. Sara Marlow 10.01.12 / 11am

    I have seen both versions of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and I think the american version is much better than the swedish one. The oveall setting of the story is suppose to convey a feeling of dark and cold. The cinematography in the american version depicts this cold feeling to perfection. For instance, the scene in whick Salander gets raped the lighting is dimmed and focused. The angles of the camera allow us to witness Salanders fear, unwilling submission, and pain. And I think it makes the audience feel as though were betraying Salander by witnessing this horrible scene.
    I think the swedish version was an attempt to make the book into a good film but the actors they choose did not seem convicing enough, to me, in the roles they played. Salander is a complex character is at times can be harsh and violent but also innocent and naive. Noomi Repace does not fit into the look of Salander the rebel. I just hope Fincher directs the next one.
20. Lulu Yamaguchi 10.09.12 / 6pm

    I like your review. I totally agree that Fincher offers a highly stylized version. It was a good film but I can’t find any foreseeable reason to remake this film since the Swedish version was great as it was. David Fincher trims the Swedish one to look nicer. As a fan of the original novel, I think he uses too much of a stylish visual interpretation on it and It is too clean to feel the warmth of blood. The author writes about woman who is persecuted by men. This fascinating character, Lisbeth never asks for a man’s help in dealing with her harsh or difficult situations; she figures out that nobody can be trusted. Mikael is one of only a few men who is not a cunning enemy of women but he is still unreliable as a defender. Hollywood’s version still contains a masculine scent. The Swedish version reflects more of the original novel’s idea on point. Even though I stand by the Swedish version, I would like to say that the Hollywood version is worth to watch for entertainment.
21. Angeli Merlas 10.16.12 / 3pm

    You did a great review of the film and explained the plot very precisely. I personally have not seen the original version so I cannot speak in comparison to the original. I do think they had a great cast that seemed to really fit the role that they were given. Rooney Mara’s performance was extraordinary. I don’t think they could’ve carted anyone else for that role. I did like Daniel Craig in this film but like you said he displayed no Swedish accent I did not come to the the realization that he should have had one until reading your review. Otherwise great film I really enjoyed it but I didn’t like the ending, how the attraction to one another was seemly nothing to Daniel Craig’s but everything to Rooney Mara’s character.
22. Taryn Martin 11.12.12 / 1pm

    I saw both versions of the film and, although the Swedish version was impeccably done, I felt the USA version was pretty comparable in quality. Never have I been one to enjoy the “noir” type dreary and dark films but this movie is certainly on the top of my favorites list. I felt both renditions of the character Lisbeth were played by very talented actresses. I did favor, however, the American version of Mikael over the Swedish version.
23. Lorena Alvarez 11.13.12 / 1am

    I agree with Linda Lopez. The Swedish version is just perfect. There’s no necessity for other version. There are a lot of cuts in this American version, and a lot of close ups of commercial brands, making explicit references. I hate when filmmakers do that.
24. Sonia Aissaoui 07.26.13 / 11pm

    I enjoyed reading this interview. Regarding the movie, I think it is magnificent well-done move with many good aspects. However, I have seen the original film in Swedish, and I have to admit that original itself is a master piece, no need for this version.
25. Ped523 10.20.13 / 10pm

    I wanted to like this movie I truly did but it just can not compare with the Swedish film. Everyone has their own opinion but to me this film was lacking and I could not stay focused as opposed to its Swedish counter part which I couldn’t take my eyes off of. 1st is Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander she gave an OK performance I believe that they were many other actress that could have done a better job. Noomi Rapace (the original Lisbeth) owned the role one of the most captivating performances I have ever seen! People say this version is closer to the book and in some aspects it is! But it’s a boring movie. I’m an American I love American cinema, I don’t mind read subtitles but I’d rather not have to. Believe me when I say the Swedish version has a better dialog, a way better cast and is overall a much better story. I’m sorry for the fans of this film but there was truly no need to remake this story after the Swedish people did an excellent job transform a book from their nation into film.
26. Sydney Black 10.16.15 / 2am

    In David Fincher’s film, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, I found that the film did look very sleek and clean. The colors of the film were similar to the colors of a traffic stop light. I agree that throughout the film Fincher causes uneasiness within the audience by using “sickening yellow tones”. I feel as though he uses these colors in certain parts of the film to foreshadow future events: red meaning danger, yellow meaning proceed with caution, and green meaning safety. The yellow tones along with the humming sound effects do add another level of sickness to the rape and sexual exploitation scenes. Overall, David Fincher did a great job in using color to enhance each scene’s tone.

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