The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)

DVD CASE/ SIDE

Length of film:  152 Minutes (Extended: 180 Minutes) (Canadian Version: 186 Minutes)

Rated: 18

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Director: Niels Arden Oplev

Starring: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Ewa Fröling, Leno Endre, Sven- Bertil Taube, Peter Haber

IMDB Rank: 7.8 /10

Part 1 Time:  74 Minutes (Extended: 89 Minutes) (Canadian Version: 93 Minutes)

Part 2 Time:  78 Minutes (Extended: 91 Minutes) (Canadian Version: 93 Minutes)

***The extended/ Canadian versions are split into two episodes, which include some credits and a flashback of the previous events in episode one.

Where does the first part end? Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) visits Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) in an attempt to recruit her to the investigation.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: Mikael Blomkvist asks Lisbeth Salander, “You work as a professional hacker…but send me a mail you know I can track. Why? What?”

First line of dialogue on the second part: Lisbeth Salander rides her motorcycle to the Vanger estate to join Mikael Blomkvist in the investigation. “But he survives? Can he have vistors? Lisbeth Salander is here,” Mikael Blomkvist speaks on the phone as Lisbeth enters the cottage.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, with the disappearance of Harriet yet to be solved, Mikael recruits the help of world-class computer hacker Lisbeth Salander to assist with the investigation. Will Mikael and Lisbeth find what ultimately happened to Harriet?

Which part is better? Part two is better as an investigative journalist and a computer hacker work in tandem to solve a 40 year old cold case. The second half not only determines the whereabouts Harriet, but also the identity of the serial killer who is responsible for murders of various women during the 1960’s.

Academy Awards: None

Other Awards: 2011 BAFTA- Best Leading Actress (Nominated- Noomi Rapace), Best Screenplay (Nominated), Best Film not in the English Language (Winner)