David Fincher talks The Girl With The Dragon Tattoos Oscar chances

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Total Film recently got together with David Fincher to discuss The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo , and talk turned to the movie’s Oscar chances.

Fincher had a near-miss with The Social Network at this year’s awards; the Facebook movie was a critics’ favourite, but The King’s Speech took home the big awards on the night.

When we asked how he fancied his chances with this TGWTDT , he said, “It’s not really that kind of movie. Although I guess Brokeback Mountain had its share of sodomy…”

So, he doesn't see it as an Oscar contender then? “Have you read the script?”

“I can’t imagine anyone in their right mind saying ‘Phew! Real Oscar bait!’”

He’s not exactly reverential when it comes to awards either, telling us, “The reason awards season was created was to sell movies. It really is not about ‘What shall we put in the vault?' It’s a promotional, publicity angle.”

Fincher’s first contact with the story came via the screenplay. Producer Scott Rudin contacted him to say he’d acquired the rights, and that Schindler’s List scribe Steve Zaillian would be writing a script and that he should read the book.

“So I didn’t read it…” laughs Fincher. “I waited until Steve had a script. I was fascinated that something that was so pervy had found its way into mass consciousness.”

“It’s tough. I didn’t choose to make this movie because it had a lot of ugliness in it, but it didn’t dissuade me in the slightest.”

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo opens on 26 December 2011.

For more from Fincher, Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig, get the new issue of Total Film Magazine, which is out on Thursday 24 November 2011!

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