Tattooed Heroine Metes Out Slick, Punitive Violence
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is a famous book that has intrigued millions. Recently a newly filmed version of the novel has made headlines as a compelling, and well done film. In A. O. Scott's review of the film, he uses imagery, details and diction to describe the film and the actors wonderful portrayal of
the characters in the novel.
Scott starts out his review with great imagery, saying, "Tiny as a sparrow, fierce as an eagle, Lisbeth Salander is one of the great Scandinavian avengers of our time, an angry bird catapulting into the fortresses of power and wiping smiles off the faces of smug, predatory pigs." This strong comparison gives the reader a good idea of what the main character is like right from the start. The reader has a basic idea of the characteristics of Lisbeth, and are able to snowball their ideas off of this description. He later describes her black bangs as sharp and severe as a blade and her eyebrows as downy and pale as a baby's. This gives the reader the feeling that yes Lisbeth is a strong and ruthless character, but she is also vulnerable and lost. The great imagery used creates a better picture of the main character and engages the reader in the storyline.
Scott also uses detail to help the reader better understand the storyline and the characters involved. He adds an idea that, "She is a marvelous pop-culture character, stranger and more complex than the average superhero and more intriguing than the usual boy wizards and vampire brides." This idea brings in other popular films the reader most likely can relate to and compare characters with. The Author also mentions other movies or shows including "Cold Case" and "Criminal Minds", which surely the reader is familiar with and can compare the film with. The author does a wonderful job of adding in details to help the reader better understand the storyline and characters involved.
Throughout the review, Scott also chooses to add in some diction that give off a tone of discomfort. He uses words like, unnerving, and describes the soundtrack as creating an "ambience of political menace and moral despair." He also uses the words monstrous, gruesome, cruel, and misogynist to describe the storyline of the family Lisbeth and the reporter are hired to investigate for a decade-old crime. These words do a wonderful job of creating a tone of anxiety and eeriness.
Overall, Scott does a terrific job of describing the characters and storyline. He gives off the correct tone to match the film, and includes many of his own ideas and comparisons. A. O. Scott uses imagery, diction, and details in a great way to give off a tone and allow the reader to better understand the film.
