Red Dragon Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)October 12th, 2002
"Red Dragon" – Bon Appetit
by Homer Yen
(c) 2002
"Red Dragon" brings back Anthony Hopkins as the menacing yet erudite Hannibal Lecter, a convicted murderer who has a taste for alternative meat. However, while we have grown familiar with the wicked cannibal from "Silence of the Lambs" and from "Hannibal," this story is an adaptation of a novel in which the character was first
introduced.
As the film opens, we see Lecter during his last days as a free man. Thanks to what we've scene in the other films and know of this character, the atmosphere of unease is quickly established. There is a lavishly prepared gourmet dinner being served. One of the guests marvels at the entrée and asks what it is. Sinisterly, he replies, "my dear, if I told you, I'm afraid you wouldn't try it."
Later on in the evening, he is paid a visit by the dogged and perceptive FBI agent Will Graham (Ed Norton). He has been investigating a murder case with Lecter's help. During a late night conversation together in which both mens' minds are in overdrive, it dawns upon them who the murderer might be. It's a terrifically tense opening sequence.
Graham retires early after this case, but is asked to return to lend his expertise on a case that involves two gruesomely slain families attributed to a criminal labeled the Tooth Fairy. And in a similar setup as the 1991 Academy Award winning "Lambs," Graham realizes that he needs to seek the advice of Lecter to ferret out this serial killer.
Hopkins plays Lecter as if it was second nature. And audiences will embrace him again, for there is no character in moviedom worthier of our simultaneous fear and love. He possesses the ability to comfort and frighten at the same time. For example, there is a scene in which he stabs a victim. As the victim's life force begins to wane, Lecter guides him through the sensations that he will feel as he edges closer to death. Even when Lecter is caged in a dungeon and behind an unbreakable sheet of Plexiglas, he is imposing, unflappable, and indomitable.
The character interplay still provides much delight. Graham needs to gain a better understanding of the Tooth Fairy while Lecter will only give him morsels of information. While the setup is familiar, it doesn't detract from the film's potency. The cast is studded with big-time players, and everyone shows that they are more than capable.
The middle act, however, alters the feel of the film as the movie moves from a psychological thriller to a more generic but revved-up police story. More time is devoted to the taciturn serial killer, Francis Dolarhyde (Ralph Fiennes), whose actions stem from his morose upbringing. Further sympathy for him arises as a result of Emily Watson's character, a blind woman who is unaware of his monstrosities. Meanwhile, Harvey Keitel, as Graham's boss, is underutilized, if not unnecessary to the plot.
Despite the detour, "Red Dragon" lives up to our expectations. It's edgy and creepy as any good thriller should be. The performances are sharp. It starts and ends with a bang. And the dramatic arc keeps you involved at all times. While it's not as good as "Silence," it is a prime cut compared to "Hannibal."
Grade: B+
S: 1 out of 3
L: 0 out of 3
V: 3 out of 3
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