MovieChat Forums > Dead Man Down (2013) Discussion > 'Original' Girl with the Dragon Tattoo??

'Original' Girl with the Dragon Tattoo??


The trailer and poster's claim of "from the director of the ORIGINAL Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" kind of gets on my nerves and here is why.

David Fincher's adaptation was of THE NOVEL. The director of DMD directed a Swedish MINISERIES that was released in theaters in many parts of the world, but was originally aired as a miniseries. That claim kind of makes it sound like Fincher's film was a remake of his, which isn't true in the slightest. Just pointing that out.

And Fincher's film is the superior adaptation of that story. There's also that. Having said all of this, Dead Man Down doesn't look bad. It might turn out to be a good film.

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[deleted]

OP GOT PWNED

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[deleted]

Fincher's was a remake as he stole from the original shot by shot.
Wrong. But please, demonstrate how it was a "shot-for-shot" remake. Which shots were stolen?
Neils Arden Oplev's is the superior by far and way more accurate.
"Way more accurate" = better? Is THE SHINING a masterpiece thanks to its "accuracy?"
The Fincher Lisbeth doesn't even speak Swedish, so even if they did do the book 100% accurate (which they didn't) it would be less accurate. :)
It's called suspension of disbelief. Do you speak Swedish? If not you probably read the book in an English translation, in which the characters speak English.

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I can think of several scenes and shots that are in one of the adaptions, but not in the other. There were some borrowed shots though(to my memory), but not enough for shot by shot remake.

HI F-ING YA
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The original film of the Girl With the dragon Tatoo is Swedish and made by Niels Arden Oplev. The original Lisbeth Salander is Noomi Rapace.
The original film wasn't aired only as miniseries but first of all it was aired in theatres. Carrot is right.
It's high time to understand that Fincher is not the first and original director of the film. Unfortunately Fincher's version was a way too American with lack of Swedish climate from the Stieg Larsson book. Even Stockholm was shown in a very small pill. His version wasn't so much faithful to the book.

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You people really need to lighten up.

I only pointed out the information as I understood it. I HAVE watched the extended versions of the Millennium films, carrot, so don't try to act like you know more about this trilogy than I do. I've read all of the books and own the big fancy box set of all of the films. I do like them quite a bit. I'm just saying the advertising is misleading for DEAD MAN DOWN, a completely different movie than what I was mentioning.

I personally think that Fincher's Lisbeth and his portrayal of the book is alot more like the novel than the Swedish film was. The Swedish film had a tacked-on happy ending, which I expect from American films, but not Swedish ones. The American movie was very brave and flowed better in my opinion. It was a lot more like the book. I read the English-language novel. I don't speak Swedish. Perhaps there was something lost in translation. However, this opinion could change as we see the next two films in Fincher's trilogy.

Also, someone on here said "Fincher's Lisbeth didn't even speak Swedish!" Well duh. It's an English language adaptation.

Also, I really am beginning to like Noomi Rapace in her newer work. I think she's becoming a very fine actress. However, you people and I are obviously never going to come to an agreement here, since this is surprisingly the most hostile board I've seen in quite some time. Seriously.

make me good, god. but not yet.
-jackie peyton

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I don't understand one thing - why some of Americans want to prove that Fincher is even better than Stieg Larsson itself.

As a Swede I don't feel in Fincher's film Swedish climate too much as was in the novel and his many ideas are not totally faitful to the book, as well his Lisbeth Salander is different to the original in many ways. Also his idea of trying speaking Swedish by some American actors was exaggerated.

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1. Arguing which film is better is pointless. Both movies have received their fair share of applause & criticism but making statements of "This one was better" is all hearsay. Not fact.

2. David Fincher & the studio can talk up their line all they want but Niels Arden Oplev did make the ORIGINAL Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Their's was made first. Fincher calling his movie an "adaptation of the novel" doesn't take away fact that someone made that movie before him.

There. It's on the Internet. Thus it's official

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[deleted]

I'm with you iheart_ny. I even wrote something similar in another post around here somewhere. Don't expect too much support on this board but you have mine. You can't be the original of something that no one has tried to duplicate. The book was Fincher's source material when he made his film, therefore it's not a remake of Oplev's film (especially since it had too many different aspects), it is an adaptation of Stieg Larsson's book. What's so hard to understand about that? And no one give me that "shot by shot" bollocks either because I've seen both films and there's no ripoff. Come off it, mates.

"So you want me to throw away my 'wad'"?- Rooney Mara

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One of the most funny thing is when studio calls a new version as "adaptation". It's a very thin line. When you don't want to call it "remake" you call it "adaptation". It sounds much better. ;)) Then American version of the book should have the name of the author David Fincher instead of Stieg Larsson.;))

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Its not a remake. You wanna know why? I can list several reasons why and how, but the main proof is that in the opening credits, it says "Based on the novel written by..". If it was a remake, the credit would be given to the writers on the swedish movie.

Also, Fincher's movie is 10x better and even more accurate. Oh and Rooney was a much better Lisbeth, same with Daniel Craig as Mikael.

Nolan Haters - http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbtzjoCeTG1qzp0kuo1_1280.gif

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Fincher's movie is 10x better and even more accurate. Oh and Rooney was a much better Lisbeth, same with Daniel Craig as Mikael


For me it's rather bit childish when someone arguments like that. More accurate? - you definitely haven't read properly the book. 10xBetter ? Or maybe 30x beter? 50xbetter? it's your very subjective opinion. How to discuss it seriously with so die hard Rooney Mara and Fincher's version fans? It's like saying "Everything what comes from US is the best". Sorry, this way of thinking is tiring. And tell me that Salander was an American in fact, because "it was Fincher's adaptation".;)

the main proof is that in the opening credits, it says "Based on the novel written by..". If it was a remake, the credit would be given to the writers on the swedish movie.


It's not a serious argument. I can write what I want if I want to make right PR to the film and to suggest some things very hard to be remembered by people.

If it was a remake, the credit would be given to the writers on the swedish movie.


It's absurd.

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There's a difference between a "remake" and a new adaptation of a written work. I think I mentioned that in my post. If you don't believe me then look it up. Just because 2 films use the same source material (in this case Larsson's book), does not mean that the first one to hit theatres first is the "original" and the second is a remake.

"So you want me to throw away my 'wad'"?- Rooney Mara

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I can't see how you can say that when they included elements that were neither part of the book nor part of Oplev's film. Oplev and Fincher are telling the same story so you can expect similarities. There is however, no shot by shot re-telling of Oplev's version. I can't debate this anymore. It is exhausting and there are ardent fans if the Swedish film who simply refuse to accept the truth. Nothing I say will change that. Good night and good luck.

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Over-sexualised cash grab? Did you read the book? If anything, it's less sexual than the book. Despite a rather minor liberty with the Harriet story, Fincher's version was more faithful than the theatrical release of Oplev's version. I am finished

"I'm finished"- Daniel Plainfield, There Will Be Blood

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[deleted]

One has nothing to do with the other. It's an American adaptation of a Swedish book. Of course it would be in English.

"So you want me to throw away my 'wad'"?- Rooney Mara

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[deleted]

My thoughts exactly! It wads a chance to capitalize on a profitable film. Most Americans are too lazy to watch films with subtitles. So this was an opportunity to make a big money grab for the film studios.

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Just because 2 films use the same source material (in this case Larsson's book), does not mean that the first one to hit theatres first is the "original" and the second is a remake.


Each serious person knows very well that Swedish version is original. World (including American) media, reviewers, critics and even in Hollywood use the same information that Oplev's film is original as well as Noomi Rapace is original Lisbeth Salander. One needne't to be a fan of Oplev's work or Noomi Rapace to understand it very well.

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First does not mean original and I think you'll find very many "serious" people who understand the difference between remake, original, and a different adaptation, especially those knowledgeable about film. Just because you and I don't agree does not mean that I am not serious. Facts are facts. This has been fun but let's just agree to disagree.

"I'm finished"- Daniel Plainfield, There Will Be Blood

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Yes, facts are facts which some of you don't want to understand. In this case the word "original" media, critics, reviewers, film people, Hollywood use as "the first"
So in this case what's the definition of "original" to you then? And what is the original - Fincher's film? Who is the original Lisbeth Salander - Rooney Mara? And whom do you want to convince about it? People I have mentioned?

You all say about Fincher's adaptation and then you convince everybody that Fincher's film is very faithful to the original. Then it's really funny. So you even alone don't know what is adaptation.

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I've written this in another post so I'll just copy and paste the link to the difference between adaptation and remake. Thanks. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2101341/board/nest/211171173?p=1.
You should read my replies before making an assumption that I don't know what I'm talking about. In case you don't feel like clicking the link, a film adaptation is the transfer of a written work, in whole or in part, to a feature film. It is a type of derivative work. If Fincher's version was based on the Swedish film's adapted screenplay, it would be a remake. It's based on Larsson's work.

To answer your question, the original Lisbeth is the one in the book. I won't reply again (seriously this time). We're writing in circles. In my opinion you don't get it and I'm sure in your opinion, I don't get it.

"I'm finished"- Daniel Plainfield, There Will Be Blood

"So you want me to throw away my 'wad'"?- Rooney Mara

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We are not talking about the book and its Lisbeth Salander and you know it very well.
You haven't answered on my questions, so I take it as you don't have right arguments. You really don't want to take the information about the Swedish Millenium as the original only because you are a big fan of the Fincher's version and Rooney Mara. It's not enough to me.

Film adaptation is much more wide definition then the film made by Fincher. And undoubtedly his film is based on Swedish Millenium by Stieg Larsson not based on Amercian Millenium by David Fincher.

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I've answered your questions, you just don't like my responses. You asked what original is. I stated that. You asked what a film adaptation is. I answered that. I can't do any more than that. If we're taking about originals and remakes, I don't know how that would exclude discussing the book. It's more than relevant, it's the basis for the argument. Noomi is the star of the Swedish adaptation and Rooney is the star of the American adaptation. There is no "original". When someone actually remakes Oplev's film, you can call Noomi the original. I'm sorry stilla but enough is enough. Maybe your understanding of the English language is a bit limited but I've been perfectly clear.

"I'm finished"- Daniel Plainfield, There Will Be Blood

"So you want me to throw away my 'wad'"?- Rooney Mara

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[deleted]

When you talk to someone from the film business, you should be more careful about your statements.

"There is no original" to you, so it means according to you that Swedish Millenium is not the first one, interesting idea...;)) You called it "Swedish adaptation". So each of media, critics, reviewers, film people, even from Hollywood are wrong except you...Teach them/us.;))

Using such argument like understanding English is always too personal and sounds arrogant.My understanding of English is surely much better than supposedly your knowledge of other languages than English...;)

"I'm sorry stilla but enough is enough" - well, it sounds a bit arrogant too,so I can say that I write my opinion, you don't have to discuss it, especially that some of my previous comments were not adressed directly to you.

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[deleted]

Are you him? It's funny when someone writes in the name of someone and explain what he was thinking.It looks like someone has two accounts.:))
I think he doesn't need an advocate from your part and I don't need a priest;)) and if you don't like this discussion you don't have to read it - just stay away.

Your post brings nothing in this discussion, so I can't see the sense of your post.He joined our discussion so he could expect replies unless he just wanted to give statements and not to hear answers. So your strange comment about trolling him is ridiculous. Discussion = comments and replies. And check who was following whom and what was the real point of our discussion - the word "original", at least for me.










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You missed the point. No one was angry about a movie, from what I can tell. The poster at the beginning of this thread said he was annoyed at Oplev being called the director of the original Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The ensuing discussion revolved around his dispute of the facts. However, like many do when they can't defend their points, he got huffy and resorted to dismissing other people's attempts to have him prove his point. See, that's what I often notice. People are quick to say they are right, but when challenged and don't have facts to support their claims, they get angry and turn the tables to make others appear wrong.

And, he didn't say that he was giving his opinion. He said that Oplev's version was not the original. He disputed this fact.

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Well, I'm afraid we are talking to the same person called "evbriclay" alias "deke8989" who seems to have two accounts. That comment addressed to me was one sided defencing one person, long and emotional, still about Fincher's evidence and the same style of writing. Using another account in the same topic proves even worse about the person itself. And again he (or rather SHE) didn't understand the point. It's enough to know that he/she called people (thinking differently than him/her ref. to Oplev's film as original) "imbeciles" on another board and now says "Let agree to disagree". :))
You will never convince people that logically Oplev's film was the original = the first one about Lisbeth Salander/Millennium story if they are so die hard Rooney Mara or Fincher's version fans. It's like their stigma...what is rather strange.

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I think you need a dictionary and look up the definition of "original" before commenting on someone's language skills. Being a naitive English speaker myself, I think it is you who has created their own definition of what the word means to fit their own needs.

Really, do you think Fincher's version is better because it is American? I'm reading between the lines of some of your comkents, and your weak defense of your statements leads me to velieve that you are slightly xenophobic. If your not sure what that means, while you are looking up "original" you can look that up too.

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The Swedish version, Oplev's version, is the original. It came first. There's no disputing that. The book was the source of both films, but Fincher did nothing but duplicate Oplev's film, with hokey Swefish accents.

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Fincher's trilogy? Let's all hope that doesn't happen. He needs to leave it alone. Why was an English language adaptation even necessary?

Fincher's Lisbeth, meaning Rooney Mara, can't even compare with Noomi Rapace. Explain to me in what ways Mara's portrayal was more like the book. And the "happy ending" you refer to in both the film and the book, both of which are the ORIGINAL sources of Fincher's film, was that really a happy ending? If you read the books and watched the trilogy, you wouldn't jump to that conclusion.

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"You people really need to lighten up. I only pointed out the information as I understood it."
so we should cut you some slack for being wrong because you didn't realize you were wrong?

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So you should be an arrogant douche about it?

You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, Darling!

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Fincher's copy of Ardlevs movie was in no way an american "adaptation" of the novel. And Mara sucked as a Naomi Rapace copy.

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In your "films I look forward to seeing" page you placed the America TGWTDT and here is your exact quote: “ The trailer for this American remake changed my ways - I was skeptical, but it looks brilliant. Big fan of the Millennium Trilogy, and hope they don't screw this one up. ” - iheart_ny
http://www.imdb.com/list/8zd1f5Kg0v4/

Now shut up.

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Well, first of all I don't remotely agree that Fincher's film is better. Not by a long shot.

BUT, the reason for the "original" is more likely for legal reasons so as not to be confused with Fincher.

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