I don’t know where I first heard about this: book, film, author's sudden death, translation into several languages- There is a lot of buzz everywhere and once I heard it- it didn’t stop.
I read the book over four days, unsuspecting for the first two that there was any element of the darkness that would unravel. When it did, the repulsion created attraction.
About two weeks after finishing the book I watch the Swedish, with English subtitles, film of the same name. The film is extremely similar with some overlapping and edits to squeeze it into a two and half hour film. Obviously needing to tailor this version to fit American Hollywood standards, the film is being remade to suit an American audience.
The Swedish film is fantastic. It is dark, it is violent and it is graphic. Not generally the type of film I enjoy but done in such a way that it is not glorified or sensationalized, as only a European creative team could conceive.
I am sure that the ‘new and improved’ version will be a mere glimmer of the original so I recommend seeing the Swedish version as well as reading the book before the Hollywood version comes out.
Or buy a copy here
In the January 2010 issue of Vanity Fair (one of my favorite magazines that both Dr. J and I enjoy and have been subscribing to for years) – there was an article about the controversy regarding the will and royalty collections after Stieg Larsson’s sudden death at 50. He was in a common law relationship and estranged from his family. His involvement in the communist party has sparked many conspiracy theories surround his death which occurred shortly after he sought to publish the three novels. Referred to as the Millennium Trilogy, and rumored to have plot summaries for a total of ten- they include: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest.
I look forward to getting my hands on the subsequent two published novels, will keep my fingers crossed for the rumors to be true and watch the American version of the film, but not in theaters.
Have you read/seen The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo?
28 comments:
My husband and I have read all 3 books and seen the Swedish movie!
Love the books. The movie was good but a bit hard to watch in spots (due to violent content)(yes, I'm a wimp).
I have been seeing this book everywhere too! (Didn't know about the movie version... Sometimes, it really does seem like I live in a cave. But I will definitely try to see the Swedish version first!) Someday soon I'm sure I will be able to get my hands on the book. I get most the English books from book exchanges or by borrowing them from some of the local businesses here. They are like my form of a library. So it really depends on what books people are traveling with and decide to trade! But I'm sure this will find it's way into my little hands! :)
Great review. I loved these books and the movies. I will warn you that the next two movies were made as a television mini-series so they lack some of the cinematography that the first movie was able to capture. That being said, they are extremely close to the novels which is something one can't help but love.
The violence in these books was a bit alarming. I was reading a particular violent scene (I think you can figure out which one) on the train. Probably not the best place to be reading something like that.
My friend just promised to let me borrow the book as soon as she's done with it... she loves it too!
Haven't read this yet - but I've been following the press a bit. I read that Vanity Fair article. I'm a bit worried about the violence, though. I don't handle intense violence in books or movies very well.
How intruging! Have not considered reading the book but have to say I probably will now....
Oh, it's sitting on my nightstand!! Now I can't wait to dig in!!
Sarah
This sounds soo interesting! Thank you so much for sharing this with us sweet ren! I will have to check out! Have a lovely merry happy week ahead and love to you!
Although this has been on my list, I think you just kicked-started it to the very top! Love how you describe the European film version, so good to know it exists, alongside the upcoming Hollywood one :)
I have not and now most certainly will!! Sounds to be really fascianting....
Karena
Art by Karena
What's disappointing about all of this, is Hollywood's wannabe remake of the Swedish movie... and the casting possibilities for Salander (Scarlett Johannson and/or Emma Watson).. like.. wtf... *sigh*
They were talking about this movie on tv last night~ I'm more intrigued now!
xo
I have also been seeing it everywhere, well now I'm going to have to take the plunge. Didn't know about the author's death either.
We rented the Swedish/English version on Saturday. I didn't read the book but the movie was great! Some scenes were horrible and made me feel ill but overall I like a movie that will keep me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I would love to read the other two books and see the films when they come out!
I heard about the movie and then i started to see talk of the book everywhere. I have it on my list of books to pick up at Barnes and Noble on my next visit there! Happy Monday.
i know, i love the graffiti ones too, its the juxtaposition of the elegant & graceful and the -in-your-face & bright & bold.
oh i do love ballet.
AHH! these have been on my list to read! and whoa! i had no idea the author died so suddenly nor did i know about his estranged family or involvment of the communist party. wow. Anyways, yes i've heard the swedish versions of the film are violent and i cant belive that they're cranking out the movies so fast! Like the girl who played with fire movie is coming out and the 1st on JUST came out. cant wait to read this triology.
Love Vanity Fair too ;p
i dont subscribe, but bought their septemeber issue and i like the article on Lady Gaga, i think it gives me a little bit better idea of who she is.
I love these books. I too have seen the Swedish movie. I just love the way they unfold and keep one turning the pages. In Stockholm they even have the book tours to go to the various places in the stories. It's so much fun.
His will has launched many emotions in Sweden and globally. The last I heard his family is trying to reach a settlement with his common law wife. She also has written a book about her life with Stieg. You can find all three books at target. The third is in hardback but you can find the paperback version via Amazon UK. Hope all is well.
I've been meaning to read it, but haven't gotten around to it. I guess I wasn't attracted by the cover (apparently I often do judge a book that way!).... but I'm glad to hear you recommend it, I will definitely give it a better chance!
oxo
ahhh, i've missed you & your posts! what a great review, i am always looking for new books (that i hardly ever start, but at least my intentions are good. kind of like cooking) and this one looks so interesting to me now. I haven't even heard anything about it or the movie! I love foreign films. This one might be a treat for me. And a "vlog". what an interesting concept!
Came across you on Met Mum's blog. I devoured the 3 books! can't wait to rent the first film. I hear its fantastic! Love your blog. Love contemporary art too...x LondonZest
Thank you for your lovely visit.
I have friends who have read this book and said it was very hard to put down. It's on my to read list!
xo
A have wanted to read the book. I didn't even know there was movie on it! Where have I been?
Rachael
I just started reading it... and have the movie on my Netflix... can't wait to see it!
That book is on my wish list..,.I really have to read it:)
I didnt know about the movie:)
Kisses,sweetie
I'm definitely putting that book on my wishlist! I just now have to find the time to read all these books - I have other ones that I've bought, they're just... sort of sitting there. Bad me!
Love both the books and the films, have seen them all. Noomi Rapace does an amazing job as Lisbeth Salander and I'm excited to see how the American version turn out compared to this!
dude.
1. i missed you and i'm back.
2. two "r's" are in sherri. least the way i do it. but you knew that. aren't you glad i'm back? xo, s
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