The film`s plot is largely a generic whodunit that follows James Bond woops, investigative journalist Mikael (a typically taciturn Daniel Craig), in his attempt to uncover the truth behind the four-decade-old murder of leading industrialist Henrik Vanger`s (Plummer) niece. Along the way, Mikael`s plot line collides with that of bisexual goth hacker Lisbeth (Mara), who has a face like a metal detector`s nightmare, a titular dragon tattoo, and (thanks to the original source material) no personality whatsoever.
Therein lies the fatal flaw that prevents The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo from being anything more than a stylishly mediocre noir number. While some may applaud Mara`s performance, it could be argued that her characher`s appeal is derived largely from aesthetics. Bereft of eyeliner, piercings and gratuitous tit flashing, Lisbeth as a character is as compelling as a hunk of granite. Likewise, Daniel Craig puts on a credible performance as down-and-out journalist Mikael, but, due to the laconic nature of his character, is unable to buoy the film`s luridly predictable trajectory all on his lonesome.
That being said, director David Fincher manages to move the plot along at a tolerable pace, and helms a gritty, frigid production that looks and sounds stunning, thanks in part to the tense, dark electronic score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails. The aesthetics of the film, however, are unable to mask the utter lack of chemistry between its main leads, their complete lack of development, and the tedium of the original novels.
Summary: Shallow, but worth watching for its aesthetics.
Rating: 3/5 Raphael Lim