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Venice: Rapace Moves Beyond Salander and Millennium Trilogy

by Anne Thompson | September 7, 2010 | 4 Comments

Thompson on Hollywood
One of the trickiest moves to make as a young star is coping with sudden fame--especially when it is attached to a beloved character. Swedish actress Noomi Rapace created the role of Lisbeth Salander in the Swedish films based on Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy; the films made her a star all over the world (the trilogy has grossed $220 million so far worldwide – and $110 million for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). But like the Twilight stars, whether she can make a career outside Sweden in other roles, in other languages, is another question. Just back from a recent trip to Hollywood, Rapace admits that she has received "several offers" and will be making an announcement of her next role in the next week or so.

Rapace followed the Millenium films (the third, The Girl that Kicked the Hornet's Nest, will open stateside in November) with the role of Medea on stage in Stockholm; she says she prefers working in film, though, at a greater remove from her audience. (Apparently fans kept taking pictures during the show and mobbing her afterwards). Next she took on the great Swedish actress Pernilla August's debut film as a director, Beyond, playing wife to her own husband Ola Rapace, also a well-known star in Sweden. The tough domestic drama starts out with Rapace in bed with her husband--snuggling and smiling. It's like a beam of light--a far cry from Salander, a role Rapace is more than happy to leave behind. David Fincher never approached her for the remake; and she never contacted him. In Beyond, which opens in Scandinavia next summer, she is playing a happily married mother of two who is unwillingly pulled back into remembering and dealing with her past when her neglectful and abusive mother calls her on her deathbed. It's strong stuff; Rapace runs with a juicy dramatic role.

Here's a three-part video interview from Venice:

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More: Festivals, Franchises, Genres, Headliners, Video, Interviews, Girl with Dragon Tattoo, Drama, Noomi Rapace

4 Comments

  • Rick | October 31, 2010Reply

    Wonderful interview! It's so refreshing to see a talented young actress who is dedicated to her craft, but still down-to-earth and so clearly in it for the love of creativity and the integrity of what's being created rather than just for fame or the Hollywood lifestyle. Much success to Ms. Rapace!

  • Kees Hoeben | September 16, 2010Reply

    Very nice interview with the really great Noomi Rapace. Thank You.

  • Laura | September 8, 2010Reply

    Nice job, Anne! What a talented young woman.

  • rgm | September 7, 2010Reply

    Excellent interview. Noomi Rapace comes across as smart. serious, and very dedicated. I was intrigued to discover that she forced herself to learn to swim -- refused a double and took many lessons -- despite her own discomfort and fear, in order to create a true character. Sounds a bit like Hilary Swank? Thanks for providing such great insight into a complex actress.

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