Hannibal
Lecter is back for the third time, or fourth if you've seen the previous adaptation
of this same book in the form of Michael Mann's under appreciated Manhunter. The
truth is, I haven't read the Thomas Harris novel, but I could spend hours comparing
these two movies. Sadly, I don't quite have the space to do that, but there is
a slightly more in depth review on Zboneman.com in which I attempt to break down
the differences.
Lecter
is more of a supporting character in this prequel to Silence of the Lambs. Red
Dragon's focal point is Will Graham (Edward Norton), an FBI agent whose main claim
to fame was catching the infamous Lecter. Graham is now involved in a horrific
case that involves a twisted murderer (Ralph Fiennes) who corresponds with a locked
up Hannibal. Graham's talents prove to be unmatched as he has an uncanny ability
to piece together homicides and determine motivation by simply observing the sight
of the murder.
Perhaps
the most peculiar aspect of Red Dragon is director Brett Ratner. I never would
have guessed that the maker of Family Man and the Rush Hour movies would be capable
of this. But then, that's probably the whole point. Ratner isn't interested in
being pigeon holed into a specific genre. While I wouldn't call Red Dragon as
gripping as Silence of the Lambs or as gothic as Hannibal, it is involving and
immensely entertaining..
I
think much of what does work here should be credited to screenwriter Ted Tally
(who also adapted Silence of the Lambs). The opening moments of Red Dragon (featuring
Lecter's capture) are very effective, and his added final scene serves as an amusing
link to Silence of the Lambs.
The
performances in Red Dragon range from decent to impressive. Norton never quite
finds his footing as Graham. Don't get me wrong, I think this guy is a fabulous
actor, but I never really bought him in this role. Fiennes isfantastic as the
antagonist, lending creepiness and genuine sensitivity to this disturbed individual.
Emily Watson is also superb as a blind woman who finds herself drawn to Fiennes.
Her blank stare is extremely effective, but it is her sense of vulnerability that
makes the character really believable.
Red
Dragon isn't without it's horrific moments, but ultimately, it seems lighter in
tone than Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal. And while I didn't like it as much
as the follow-up, it had more consistency than the sporadic Hannibal. I suspect
that Red Dragon will be a huge hit and I'd be really surprised if this will be
the last we see of Hannibal Lecter.
