Dragon Tattoo Producers Fume Over Good Review

The New Yorker has sparked the ire of Girl With the Dragon Tattoo producer Scott Rudin—with a positive review that calls the film "mesmerizing." Trouble is, the review came out early, a big no-no in an industry where timing is key. Filmmakers want their movies—especially big-ticket ones like Dragon Tattoo—reviewed at a moment that helps promote the film, notes ABC News. Critic David Denby saw the film early on the condition that he wouldn't release the review until December 13.

Instead, the review came out eight days earlier. Denby explained the move in an email to Rudin, saying the magazine had needed a review in the latest issue and a number of other Oscar hopefuls are on their way. "I apologize for the breach of the embargo. It won’t happen again. But this was a special case brought on by year-end madness." Rudin said that was "nonsense." "The needs of the magazine cannot trump your word," the producer wrote. "I could not in good conscience invite you to see another movie of mine again." (More The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo stories.)