Red Dragon (2002)

Director: Brett Ratner

Writer: Ted Tally (Screenplay) Thomas Harris (Novel)

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes, Harvey Keitel, Emily Watson, Mary Louise Parker, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Anthony Heald

 

Plot: When detective Will Graham (Norton) finally figures out whom his long-time nemesis is he catches him and much to his surprise it was Hannibal Lecter (Hopkins). Retired living a life away from the spotlight Will is talked into investigating a new serial killer The Tooth Fairy by his old friend Jack Crawford (Keitel). Will has to return to his relationship with Hannibal to learn how to catch and who the Tooth Fairy’s real identity it.

 

Verdict: A step up from Hannibal, trying to channel Silence.

Story: Learning about who captured Hannibal in the first place, this relationship shows that with the right respect and manners Hannibal will leave an FBI with a riddle to solve any crime. One important re-addition to this is returning to a caged Hannibal who gives small clues to help stop a serial killer who is more out of control than himself. (9/10)

 

Actor Review: Anthony Hopkins – Hannibal Lecter with his long-time friend turned nemesis who finally gets caught. Hopkins returns with another lacklustre performance that still is a screen presence whenever he is on it but much like ‘Hannibal’ he struggles to reach the same level achieved in his Silence Of the Lambs performance. (8/10)

 

Actor Review: Edward Norton – Will Graham the FBI agent who has been tracking down the very man he talks to about uncovering who he is after, retired but cannot let people get hurt so returns with his skills to solve the crime. Norton steps into the role of cat or mouse however you see Lecter in the story to good effect better than Moore but not as close to Foster’s performance. (8/10)

Actor Review: Ralph Fiennes – Tooth Fairy a man who has been let down abused during his childhood, driven to become the monster he is. Fiennes is a welcome addition to the world and much like Buffalo Bill is very disturbed and twisted in his motives. Ralph does a great job creating his villain that will be the most memorable character in this film. Star Performance Award (9/10)

 

Director Review: Brett Ratner – Coming in to this film with only music videos and action comedies to his name he does a great job and this remains the best film to date of his career. (8/10)

 

Crime: Returning to the cat and mouse investigating which made the Silence such a hit. (9/10)

Thriller: With plenty of edge of your seats scenes the thrills are great. (9/10)

Special Effects: Some very good special effects when needed. (9/10)

Believability: Returns to the twisted idea behind serial killers being hunted. (6/10)

Chances of Tears: No (0/10)

Suggestion: This may be the first in the order of films and whichever order you decide to watch them this is still a must watch for all fans of the Silence of the Lambs. All crime fans should watch too as it is a welcome addition to that world of films too. (Watch)

 

Best Part: Returning to the riddles of Hannibal.

Worst Part: Not enough Hannibal

Action Scene of the Film: Final showdown.

Kill Of The Film: Freddy Lounds

Favourite Quote: Hannibal ‘That’s the same atrocious after shave you wore in court.’

Trivia: Edward Norton took every penny he made in this movie to make 25^th Hour.

Oscar Chances: No

Chances of Sequel: I did have another prequel film and the relationship between Will and Hannibal gets explored in a television show.

Similar Too: Man Hunter (Michael Mann’s version)

 

Overall: Returning to its best but not perfection.

 

Rating