GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

W magazine has the exclusive first looks of Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander for the upcoming American reworking of Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. After having a small but important role in The Social Network, Mara was selected by director David Fincher as the titular character over, perhaps more popular choices Scarlett Johansson ("too sexy") and Jennifer Lawrence ("too tall").

See her transformation after the break.

Other than Network, Mara's most well-known credit was starring in the Nightmare on Elm Street remake. As you see above, her look can only be described as 'wholesome.' I was curious to see what Mara could pull off to achieve the unorthodox look Salander embodies. Now, thanks to W, we have our chance, and our answer.

Holy crap.

It was probably foolish to doubt Fincher's eye--seeing how he's the man behind The Game and Seven--but he's done it again. Jesus, how incredible does Mara look here? The hair, the body, the wardrobe, and of course the ink; she is all at once volatile and strangely alluring. I've read all three novels and seen their corresponding Swedish film originals, but this early glimpse has revved my excitement up to eleven. 

Daniel Craig (Layer Cake), Robin Wright (The Princess Bride), Stellan Skarsgård (Good Will Hunting), Christopher Plummer (The Sound of Music) round out the main cast. 

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo arrives December 21, 2011 in time for a very gothic Christmas.