There wasn't anything about this movie I didn't like. All of the key components to a film were strongly intact. Fincher and his crew have a niche for style in filming and while I am all for fresh, experimental technique; Fincher has a stabilized crew that can perform professionally their exalted talent with a confident precision. It was perfect for a story that had already hit a limit in depth; for me I didn't have to analyze acting skills or marvel at editing and cinematography. I have seen it all before in past Fincher films and it is always top notch. It was nice to give my undivided attention to the plot and all of it's mystery. Without having read the novel I followed everything pretty well with only minor details slipping by. It was a fast paced plot that at times left you in a cloud of dust wondering what exactly was going on. The cast was great, most were well matured actors/actresses that new how to give the sets a good organic feel. This really helped keep me focused as a lot of films will obscure my attention as they begin to feel like high school plays at times. I believe Rooney Mara deserves a shout out; her portrayal of this anti-social, anxious, yet proficiently smart and deviant computer hacking chick was perfect and quite sexy. Some may think the nudity was excessive but I thought it was actually necessary, the film wouldn't have felt as genuinely dark without the crude and disturbing rape scene or the starkly shot intercourse scenes. Every bit of it was needed to let the viewers know this isn't a chick you mess with. She is sort of a femme fatal of a different breed. Or perhaps the hard boiled detective? She has no cultural bounds and seems to see past the illusions of society; the roles almost feel like they have been reversed. Giving Daniel Craig a Homme Fatal role since he is the one in need of help with his investigation. I think there is further evidence of this but for the sake of keeping spoilers out of this review I won't discuss any more on that matter. All in all this Neo-Nior Hybrid was the best thing I have seen come out of Hollywood all year and I know that isn't saying much but this film is a must see for those who look to capture something more out of films or those who simply enjoy a really good flick.
