I just got back from seeing the movie. This is coming from someone that hasn't read the book or seen the original movie... but it was fucking great. I enjoyed it more than I expected. That was my first time hearing the score too. The score was much more ambient and tribal than his last one. I can't wait to listen to my CD's now.
Thoughts with spoiler:
[spoiler]The rape scene was pretty goddamn intense and traumatic to watch. I had to actually turn away at one point and I am not a squeamish person when it comes to movies. It was pretty real, sick, inhumane, etc... everything that rape actually is. I suppose the realism was necessary for the satisfaction that came with Lisbeth's vengeance, but holy hell...[/spoiler]
Mara Rooney is a fucking star. I found her character lacking in nothing for that role. Hopefully some sort of award and recognition is coming her way.
It definitely didn't feel like 2h:40m either. Bravo Fincher on another fantastic movie. I remember way back wondering WTF when I first heard the guy that directed Madonna's "Respect Yourself" video was going to be debut directing the new Alien movie (Alien3), but he hasn't disappointed me yet. (I think the only movie of his I haven't seen is Benjamin Button.)
Ok, enough drool. ;-)