Stieg Larsson's Partner Criticizes 'Dragon Tattoo' Ads
Following Hollywood's adaptation of Stieg Larsson's "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," the author's longtime girlfriend has chided its marketing.
Eva Gabrielsson and Larsson's lengthy relationship lasted 30 years, until the author's death in 2004. On Monday she stated that Larsson would not have approved of the merchandise involved with the film's adaptation of the best-selling novel.
Gabrielsson said that Larsson would have directed the film's attention to the issues surrounding violence and discrimination against women.
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"We would never have sold any rights for merchandising," said Larsson's former partner. "It has nothing to do with books."
Gabrielsson was referencing retailer H&M's Dragon Tattoo Collection, designed by Trish Summerville. The designer said that the clothing line was inspired by Lisbeth Salander, the main character in Larsson's novels.
Larsson died of a heart attack at age 50 and did not leave a will, and so the rights to his work were left to his brother and father.
The family members have denied Gabrielsson's accusations that they are using the rights for profit, and said that they will donate earnings from the merchandise to the causes Larsson supported, including the antiracist magazine the author worked for as a journalist.
Larsson was passionate about battling inequality, especially in his native country of Sweden.
Gabrielsson added, "The oppression of women exists everywhere, this incomprehensible discrimination."
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" opened in theaters everywhere in the U.S. on Friday and has seen impressive box office earnings.
