ANTHONY HOPKINS REVISITS his role as the iconic serial killer Hannibal Lecter in “Red Dragon,” based on Thomas Harris’ first novel “Manhunter” which promises to explore the “origin of evil.”
In this prequel to “Silence of the Lambs,” we meet everyone’s favorite tortured psychopath as he’s captured by FBI Agent Will Graham (Edward Norton). Before his capture, lots of Lecter ‘lore’ is revealed, much to the glee of audience goers who are ‘in’ on the joke.
When Graham once again seeks Lecter’s help to track down family serial killer Francis Dolarhyde (Ralph Fiennes), dubbed the “Tooth Fairy” by the media, the opportunistic Lecter spots his chance at revenge.
Familiar cat-and-mouse psychological games ensue as the good doctor offers Graham cryptic assistance from within his cell.
Sound familiar? Well it should, “Red Dragon” is also a remake of Michael Mann’s “Manhunter,” which was released in 1986.
Director Brett Ratner (of “Rush Hour” fame) takes his cue from Jonathan Demme (“Silence of the Lambs”) and returns to a much more subdued suggestion of violence instead of the vivid bloody spectacle contained in Ridley Scott’s “Hannibal.”
There are of course, scatterings of graphic violence throughout, but as an R-rated film about two vicious serial killers, “Red Dragon” lacks the gratuitous nature of “Hannibal.”
Fiennes is upsetting and poignant as the unhinged, tattooed killer. In another one of the actor’s collection of strange character choices, Fiennes is meticulous in his portrayal of the pitiful loner who was “made dirty” through years of abuse.
Norton is fine as the former FBI agent, but is overshadowed by both Hopkins and Fiennes. Hopkins does seem far too old to play a younger version of himself (the digital effects used to de-age him didn’t work as well as they should’ve), but as the charismatic cannibal, he steals the show again.
Harvey Keitel (as Graham’s boss at the FBI), Mary-Louise Parker (as Graham’s wife), Emily Watson (as Dolarhyde’s blind co-worker and love interest), and Philip Seymour Hoffman (as the trashy tabloid reporter) give good performances in their respective supportive character roles in “Red Dragon.”
Danny Elfman’s nerve-wrenching score lends itself well to the suspenseful thriller that is bound to please Lecter fans. It and is a fitting ‘send-off’ to the world’s favorite serial killer.
“Red Dragon” is rated R for violence, grisly images, language, some nudity and sexuality.
