was it screened before the main release?
Yes, its screening was a part of a critics-only event hosted by the New York Film Critics Circle.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011 film)
A screening for "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" took place on November 28, 2011, as part of a critics-only event hosted by the New York Film Critics Circle. 
the girl with the dragon tatoo movie series UNANSWERABLE what genre is this movie? Psychological crime thriller what is it based on? It is based on the novel by Swedish writer Stieg Larsson.
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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011 film) [SEP] Pre-release
A screening for "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" took place on November 28, 2011, as part of a critics-only event hosted by the New York Film Critics Circle. Commentators at the event predicted that while the film would become a contender for several accolades, it would likely not become a forerunner in the pursuit for Academy Award nominations. A promotional campaign commenced thereafter, including a Lisbeth Salander-inspired collection, designed by Trish Summerville for H&M. The worldwide premiere was at the Odeon Leicester Square in London on December 12, 2011, followed by the American opening at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City on December 14 and Stockholm the next day.