Plot -- Troubled FBI agent Will Graham (Edward Norton) catches the infamous Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). Years later, he is brought out of early retirement to pursue another killer (Ralph Fiennes), who is courting his next victim, a blind woman (Emily Watson). But can Graham retain his sanity? This is the second attempt to film the Harris novel, the first being 1986's "Manhunter", directed by Michael Mann.
Critique -- Although "Red Dragon" isn't a bad film by any means, it's one of the most unnecessary major releases of the last decade. The same story was told in Mann's 1986 film, which was flawed but had more life and energy than this rework. As a stand-alone movie, it's adequate enough, but at this point the formula is getting stale. Brett Ratner ("Rush Hour") does a competent job behind the camera, but he is clearly the weakest director to helm a film featuring the good doctor. He does not generate quite enough tension or atmosphere to sustain a two hour movie. This must be Edward Norton's weakest performance by far; after he lit up the screen in "Fight Club" and "American History X", it's a shame to see him sleepwalk through a role. Anthony Hopkins is okay, but at this point he must be getting tired of playing this character. The supporting performances fare somewhat better, especially Philip Seymour Hoffman as a sleazy tabloid publisher.
The storyline is still intelligent and literate; there is a much-welcome opening scene showing exactly how Lector was caught (only referred to by dialouge in Mann's version), but it's clear that the whole project is just a commercial endeavor. Critics thrashed Ridley Scott's "Hannibal", but that film at least had a freshness that this one lacks. I can only pray that Michael Bay doesn't have anything to do with the next entry.
Rating: 6/10 or (**1/2)
Released by Universal Pictures
Critique -- Although "Red Dragon" isn't a bad film by any means, it's one of the most unnecessary major releases of the last decade. The same story was told in Mann's 1986 film, which was flawed but had more life and energy than this rework. As a stand-alone movie, it's adequate enough, but at this point the formula is getting stale. Brett Ratner ("Rush Hour") does a competent job behind the camera, but he is clearly the weakest director to helm a film featuring the good doctor. He does not generate quite enough tension or atmosphere to sustain a two hour movie. This must be Edward Norton's weakest performance by far; after he lit up the screen in "Fight Club" and "American History X", it's a shame to see him sleepwalk through a role. Anthony Hopkins is okay, but at this point he must be getting tired of playing this character. The supporting performances fare somewhat better, especially Philip Seymour Hoffman as a sleazy tabloid publisher.
The storyline is still intelligent and literate; there is a much-welcome opening scene showing exactly how Lector was caught (only referred to by dialouge in Mann's version), but it's clear that the whole project is just a commercial endeavor. Critics thrashed Ridley Scott's "Hannibal", but that film at least had a freshness that this one lacks. I can only pray that Michael Bay doesn't have anything to do with the next entry.
Rating: 6/10 or (**1/2)
Released by Universal Pictures