Repetition

Directed by David Fincher, script by Steven Zaillian

from the novel by Stieg Larrson

The narrative in the Zaillian and Fincher version works hard to expand vulnerability of Blomkvist, the main character. The Swedish version (a very fine film itself) seems to relay more on a certain physicality of the male hero, whereas the American needs to work more against the unquestionable vitality and a former Bond allure that comes with casting of Daniel Craig. The allure is still lingering for most, which I guess the makers assumed and kept working with. There are several examples of such approach throughout the film.

One is the moment of Blomkvist reluctantly accepting Martin’s invitation for a drink. It plays the complexities of the moment and of the character. This beat in the American version is sold twice: the second time in the dialogue further within the sequence:

MARTIN

Can I ask you something?

Why don’t people trust their instincts?

They sense something’s wrong

- someone’s walking too close behind them

- yet they don’t cross the street.

You knew something was wrong

- you even knew what it was -

but you came back into the house.

Did I force you? Did I grab you and drag you in?

I just offered you a drink.

(pause)

You’d never think the fear of offending

could be stronger than the fear of pain

- but you know what? It is.

They always come willingly.

Such repetition, first showing than discussing the event is very effective here. Plus I can almost here the star insisting "give him more hesitation, make him more human, show more of his weaknesses".