We are a society that delights in being scared shitless. It’s no wonder that we laud “The Silence of the Lambs” as one of the best films of the century. Not to underdo it, Hollywood has already introduced us to the sequel, last year’s disappointing blockbuster “Hannibal,” and now it aim to give us an earlier chapter in the life of Dr. Hannibal Lecter: “Red Dragon.”
This film could actually be construed as a remake of “Manhunter,” a 1986 film which was also based on the first of Thomas Harris’ novels featuring Hannibal the Cannibal. But where “Manhunter” and “Hannibal” fell short, “Red Dragon” succeeds, primarily because it captures the mood of “The Silence of the Lambs” and establishes the relationship between a hero and a killer that intrigued us so much the first time around.
Will Graham (Edward Norton), the FBI agent who puts Dr. Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) behind bars, is yanked from early retirement in Florida to help apprehend another serial killer named Francis Dolarhyde (Ralph Fiennes). Uncertain of the murderer’s motivations, Graham is forced to consult with Lecter.
At the heart of this thriller are two complex relationships that propel the action and transform “Red Dragon” into a film that rivals the genius of “The Silence of the Lambs.” Lecter’s resentment for his current imprisonment complicates his almost paternal admiration and pride for Graham. Meanwhile, Graham, who once viewed Lecter as a mentor, struggles to overcome his fear for the man who nearly took his life.
The love affair between Dolarhyde and Reba (Emily Watson), a blind woman who befriends the loner, provides insight into the psyche of a homicidal killer. It’s hard not to squirm as Reba tries to seduce Dolarhyde, whose murderous identity is inspired by a painting of a dragon by William Blake and is fueled by the psychological and physical abuse he suffered as a child.
In addition to a compelling plot, “Red Dragon” boasts a cast of all-stars who provide exceptional performances across the board.
Hopkins is having more fun than ever, playing a younger and feistier Lecter. But Lecter’s familiar antics are comic relief compared to the gruesome “transformations” the Red Dragon inflicts upon his victims. Fiennes delivers a chillingly controlled and tormented psychopath. Norton’s performance far outshines that of his predecessors, but in all fairness Will Graham is a more likable and identifiable character than the legendary Clarice.
Producing a successful prequel to a critically acclaimed movie is harder than staging a sequel and is even more difficult than developing a new idea. Anyone can create a story, and it’s easy to ignore a sequel or write it off as a horrible dream, but a prequel has to be compelling — if you set it up wrong (cough, cough, George Lucas), the original can lose some of its credibility. “Red Dragon” charts new ground while upholding the award-winning standard set by “Lambs.” If nothing else, “Red Dragon” will leave us all a little more cautious as we walk around at night. nyou