***SPOILERS***
***Trigger warning***
I've recently re-watched both these film versions. Surprisingly I like both of them for different reasons, both have flaws, but both are strong adaptations of the books. Both films make plot changes but I'm less interested in those than the subtle differences in portrayal of characters in these two versions. I feel that the Swedish version (part one of the three part miniseries) is more gritty and true to the books and characters. I would like to explore how the "Hollywoodification" affects this story in particular the representation of sex and sexuality for women in film. Indicating a wider trend in Western film adaptation.
Both films show graphic scenes of Lisbeth's rape although arguably in my opinion the Swedish version is more gruesome in some ways while the US version is graphic in other ways. For instance in the US version we seen Rooney Mara in the shower after the rape blood dripping down her legs from the anal rape. This is just one example. I would argue there is equal amount of nudity in both films, with perhaps the exception being that Rooney Mara is fully naked from side on in one scene and doesn't appear to be a body double (although they can do a lot digitally). This is surprising because in US cinema showing the vagina is most taboo.
In terms of sexuality and character Lisbeth is fascinating and somewhat unique in film. From the books she is petite and almost adolescent and boyish in her appearance. The book talks a lot about her concern for her small breasts which she wants to enlarge. Something I have a problem with character wise. I feel that women should be able to control their bodies however they choose, but what is wrong with small breasts? The book describes some sort of "disorder" where they were under-developed, but I feel it is unfair to label women's bodies this way.
Lisbeth is functionally bisexual in the story (across all versions), although it is therefore most disappointing when she is reverted to heteronormativity in the US version pining over Mikael. Ok, so maybe that's arguable, but in the US version they have sex more times than in the Swedish version. Having a more prolonged relationship in whatever form, which is by rights from the book. But the Swedish version delves more into Lisbeth's psychology Noomi Rapace beautifully depicts Lisbeth's power and her vulnerability (something that disgusts me that has become a male fantasy trope the strong woman still in need of saving). Also her almost ambivalence or nonchalance about sex, as pure need or desire. We see Rapace mount Mikael (Michael Nyqvist) in the middle of the night and bring herself to orgasm despite Mikael saying it's probably a good idea. When Lisbeth has climaxed she gets up and leaves and says "goodnight" which is both funny and telling as a small insight into her affection for him. I love this depiction because it plays the male role that we oft see in cinema, the man takes a woman and climaxes and end of scene, no show of pleasure from the woman and certainly no climax, (thanks MPAA!). This scene plays out in the US version but with distinct differences Rooney Mara tells Mikael (Craig) to stop talking when he says it's not a good idea. And it's much more slow movements both by actors and the camera work. This is just how stylised sex scenes are depicted in most Hollywood films. Whereas the Swedish film is less slick and even uses a long wide shot to show the sex scene climax. However a later sex scene in the US version plays out very similar where Blomkist (Craig) is talking while Lisbeth tells him to be quiet while she climaxes on top of him. He seems to have no interest in sex at that time. Also in the first sex scene in the US version Lisbeth starts on top a position of dominance but by the end of the scene Craig has pulled her into the missionary position thereby pacifying her and dominating her (regardless of tenderness).
In the books Lisbeth is very flexible and accepting of "unconventional" sexuality. She has a history of female sex partners and relationships. She also doesn't have a problem with Blomkist's "affair" or relationship with his work colleague. Something that is depicted as an affair in the US version. Lisbeth just says "It ended his marriage, but not hers". Granted a film doesn't have the time to delve into the intricacies of everything.
Ok, lets talk about fetishising violence against women. Both films depict graphic scenes of rape of Lisbeth. Both focus almost exclusively on Lisbeth's pain and distress. Arguably one could say why did we need to see this graphic content at all, isn't it feeding into the problem? Or is it? It's important to talk about these issues because it happens to women all the time. I believe it would have been less effective to have neglected to show these scenes. Interestingly the US version shows intermittent shots of the closed door, which in my mind represents the whole attitude of what happens behind closed doors isn't anyone else's business. Or more simply it reflects her lack of means of escape and no one can hear her. Or maybe it's our reluctance to view this that is represented by blocking it out through a closed door.
Both films depict Lisbeth's scheme to retaliate and defend herself from her "guardian" rapist. The Swedish version shows a more calculated and "cold" approach. But also she sits outside the room smoking while he is forced to watch the tape of the rape. To me this indicates her inability to re-watch it and be in the same room as him. Something the US version changes and she sits smoking in the room with him while she shows the tape. The US version also shows a more prolonged "torture" of her rapist in terms of her showing up in the elevator and telling him to stop looking up tattoo removal etc. This I believe is accurate to the book. But what is the purpose of writing/ depicting this type of revenge? I'm not saying women should forgive or be "above" retaliation I'm merely pointing out that this seems like literary wish fulfillment for Lisbeth's character . Truthfully she has little choice, the police are unlikely to believe her and she would end up in a mental hospital as he threatened to her.
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