Now, let’s get to “The Girl in the Spider’s Web”. First of all, the book was not written by Larsson but rather by hand picked David Lagercrantz. He was chosen by Larsson’s estate to continue the series. He has written two additional novels to date including this one.
The film is directed by Fede Alvarez from Uruguay. His previous efforts include the thriller horror film, “Don’t Breathe” and another from that genre “The Evil Dead”.
After the outstanding work by Rapace and Mara as Lisbeth Salander it was crucial to find a great new Lisbeth. Lots of people were in the running to include Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, and recasting Rooney Mara but the company decided on Claire Foy. Most know her for her terrific portrayal of Princess Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth II in “The Crown”. She is a consummate professional and delivers a solid performance but not one to compare to either Rapace or Mara.
I went into this movie not expecting to like it due to some unflattering buzz online and elsewhere. The film seems to lose its way from time to time and it is a bit hard to follow as a result. The Mikael Blomkvist character is hugely underutilized in the film. He’s hardly a factor. I’m not sure if that was the case in the book. A few surprises emerge along the way and more than a few car and motorcycle chases keep it exciting. There is some unfinished business to boot clearly telegraphing a sequel.
All in all this chapter in the Lisbeth Salander saga did not live up to the others. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and hope that they crank it up a bit with the next one. I would encourage Noomi Rapace to get back in the game. She “is” Lisbeth Salander and always will be for me.
