The Girl Who Played With Fire

The Girl who Played with Fire is much more fitting a title than "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" was for that film. It's a stupid title (changed for American audiences) and it's merely explanatory and offers no real insight into the film. However, the title that author Sven Nykvist had originally chosen for part two was the title that has stuck. It's appropriate, and (unlike the first film) sets up a devious plot that centers around fire and the past. Now, the first film was excellent: moody and dark, disgusting and riveting. But this one is less artistically minded, and it's more up to the actors to secure the film's worthiness. However, it is the story in Part 2 that makes it so compelling--for we finally get to discover and rationalize the character: Lisbeth Salander. She's a great movie character, and probably was the first step to securing the books and film's worth. Played by Noomi Rapace, she makes the film. Paired with strong source material that places Lisbeth in the middle of a triple murder, The Girl who Played with Fire is a very good film. It's faulted for being too bright though. It's palette is noticeably and practically contradictory to the first film. That was a mistake, and lessens the impact of horrific scenes. Part 2 is also a much simpler plot, and it's probably all the better for it, for the audience is allowed to delve into the psyche of Lisbeth. It's not only an interesting experience, but a unique one.
The Girl Who Played With Fire: ★★★1/2