Red Dragon (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
FBI Agent Will Graham (Edward Norton) is called out of early retirement to catch a mysterious serial killer, The Tooth Fairy (Ralph Fiennes) in 'Red Dragon', a thriller directed by Brett Ratner. Though he's gifted at his job, Will is forced to ask for help from his imprisoned arch-enemy, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). With his help, they may finally catch the Tooth Fairy & bring him to certain justice. But it won't be easy, as it appears T.F. is getting inside info from someone whom Will knows quite well. By delving deeper into this case, Will will be risking his career, his family, & his very own life. Not as brilliant as Silence of the Lambs, but vastly superior to Hannibal, 'Red Dragon' finds its niche as an elegantly horrific motion picture. I was thoroughly creeped out.
The film opens with an intense pre-credits sequence that takes place in Baltimore, 1980. In short, we bear witness to one of Lecter's devious acts, and the eventual capture of him BY Will Graham. The film then picks up a few yrs. later: and a new serial killer is on the loose (driven to kill by the image of a particular painting). The Tooth Fairy (named so due to leaving bite marks on his slaughtered victims) has butchered 2 families thus far. When in a normal state, he is Francis Dolarhyde (Fiennes), a quiet, awkward labor worker. Meanwhile, Will is thrust from his Florida retirement to help his ex-partner (Harvey Keitel) solve the T.F. case ... the last 2 families were killed on a full moon, and the next one is in 3 short weeks!
Unfortunately for Will, he'll have to enter prison and consult his old adversary, Lecter, to gain insight into the T.F.'s psyche. As he gives & gains info from the familiar foe, we watch the parallel storyline which is that of Francis Dolarhyde. Disfigured, he tries to assimilate himself by befriending an innocent blind woman who works with him (Emily Watson). They're interested in each other. But little does she know who she's dealing with. While he hopes that 'love' can cure his diabolical ways, it appears that nothing can stop him; and 3 weeks is right around the bend. Who will be hurt? Who will be killed? Can Will put an end to the Red Dragon's evil, or will the trend of grisly murders never stop?
I am pleasantly surprised that Brett Ratner was able to create such a crafty, dark, alluring film. And even though we know the Lecter world quite well by now, there's new & exciting exposition to come from this film, as well. In fact, there are many moments where you're mesmerized, dreading, anxious ... not sure of what's around the next corner. The ensemble cast is excellent, here. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is great as a loathsome tabloid reporter. Emily Watson is hugely effective as the madman's love interest; she fills a female void (Jodie Foster) quite ably. Ralph Fiennes is androgynously chilling as the Red Dragon. And Anthony Hopkins lends his twisted, droll, deadpan humor to the proceedings. He's hair-raisingly wonderful.
The foundation of Red Dragon's success is that it simply tells a good story. The mood is always ominous. The musical score is full of appropriate portent. It's an absorbing film in every sense of the word. Critically, reception to this film is all over the map. Most naysayers feel it doesn't hold a candle to 1986's Manhunter. In my opinion, the 1986 movie is plenty scary enough, but it isn't as richly textured as this 2002 film. That said, there are a few moments throughout 'Red Dragon' that are a bit mechanical (lacking flow). And it isn't as original as it could be. The Silence of the Lambs created an unbearable tension that is still unmatched. But 'Red Dragon' is still a distinguished, atmospheric thriller to remember, and to remember fondly.
The film opens with an intense pre-credits sequence that takes place in Baltimore, 1980. In short, we bear witness to one of Lecter's devious acts, and the eventual capture of him BY Will Graham. The film then picks up a few yrs. later: and a new serial killer is on the loose (driven to kill by the image of a particular painting). The Tooth Fairy (named so due to leaving bite marks on his slaughtered victims) has butchered 2 families thus far. When in a normal state, he is Francis Dolarhyde (Fiennes), a quiet, awkward labor worker. Meanwhile, Will is thrust from his Florida retirement to help his ex-partner (Harvey Keitel) solve the T.F. case ... the last 2 families were killed on a full moon, and the next one is in 3 short weeks!
Unfortunately for Will, he'll have to enter prison and consult his old adversary, Lecter, to gain insight into the T.F.'s psyche. As he gives & gains info from the familiar foe, we watch the parallel storyline which is that of Francis Dolarhyde. Disfigured, he tries to assimilate himself by befriending an innocent blind woman who works with him (Emily Watson). They're interested in each other. But little does she know who she's dealing with. While he hopes that 'love' can cure his diabolical ways, it appears that nothing can stop him; and 3 weeks is right around the bend. Who will be hurt? Who will be killed? Can Will put an end to the Red Dragon's evil, or will the trend of grisly murders never stop?
I am pleasantly surprised that Brett Ratner was able to create such a crafty, dark, alluring film. And even though we know the Lecter world quite well by now, there's new & exciting exposition to come from this film, as well. In fact, there are many moments where you're mesmerized, dreading, anxious ... not sure of what's around the next corner. The ensemble cast is excellent, here. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is great as a loathsome tabloid reporter. Emily Watson is hugely effective as the madman's love interest; she fills a female void (Jodie Foster) quite ably. Ralph Fiennes is androgynously chilling as the Red Dragon. And Anthony Hopkins lends his twisted, droll, deadpan humor to the proceedings. He's hair-raisingly wonderful.
The foundation of Red Dragon's success is that it simply tells a good story. The mood is always ominous. The musical score is full of appropriate portent. It's an absorbing film in every sense of the word. Critically, reception to this film is all over the map. Most naysayers feel it doesn't hold a candle to 1986's Manhunter. In my opinion, the 1986 movie is plenty scary enough, but it isn't as richly textured as this 2002 film. That said, there are a few moments throughout 'Red Dragon' that are a bit mechanical (lacking flow). And it isn't as original as it could be. The Silence of the Lambs created an unbearable tension that is still unmatched. But 'Red Dragon' is still a distinguished, atmospheric thriller to remember, and to remember fondly.