Rooney Mara says she thinks her edgy character in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" eventually appealed to the film's audience.

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Mara has been getting good reviews for her performance as Lisbeth Salander, including a Golden Globe nomination, which she says has to do with the character's many layers.

"I think the thing that makes her such a compelling character is that you do sort of fall instantly in love with her, but at the same time you don't always agree with what she's doing and you also question her and you get frustrated by her," Mara told Parade magazine. "She's just an incredibly multilayered character."

Lisbeth makes a strong, if a bit rough, initial impression due to her tattoos, smoking and sexuality, but her character wins out in the end.

"I think that's with most people -- the more you get to know them, the more beautiful they are," Mara said. "I think that she's someone you learn to love and appreciate. Looks are sort of secondary to that."