Red Dragon
Reviewed By : AVL

Release Year : 2002

Directed By : Brett Ratner

Written By : Thomas Harris, Ted Tally

Starring : Edward Norton, Anthony Hopkins, Ralph Fiennes

Related Links : IMDB

 

Former FBI agent Will Graham, who was responsible for capturing iconic psychopath Hannibal Lecter, is brought out of retirement to catch the Tooth Fairy, a maniac who is butchering whole families, in this second movie adaptation of Thomas Harris's novel of the same name.

As you'd expect if you've seen or read any of the other Lecters, it's heavy on the psychological angles, and focused strongly on characters and the interplay between them. Each of these Lecter tales is like a huge jigsaw puzzle, with lights flashing on as pieces slot into place - and, of course, with the the brilliant Lecter seeking to move the pieces to his own pattern.

Edward Norton, great actor that he is, just doesn't seem to slot into the role of FBI agent Will Graham(who was portrayed so ably by William Petersen in the first adaptation of this novel, Manhunter). He makes for a much more relaxed, less intense, Graham, and the interplay between him and Lecter suffers as a result. Again with the Tooth Fairy - perhaps it was testament to the talents of Tom Noonan in the first film that this murderous fiend would always wear his face.

Still, there's a strong enough story here to carry it through and make it work - it's not the strongest outing for Hannibal the Cannibal, but remains a watchable film nonetheless. Give it a whirl, but also check out Manhunter, in my opinion a far better adaptation, where it is also fun to see someone other than Anthony Hopkins don the mantle of Hannibal Lecter (Brian Cox becomes the not so good doctor there).