minor spoilers, ho...

Silence of the Lambs (1991) made over $130 million, domestically.*

Hannibal (2001) made over $160 million, domestically.*

Both based on books by Thomas Harris, it was only a matter of time until someone figured out that remaking a movie (Manhunter) based another book by Thomas Harris (Red Dragon) wasn't even really a gamble, but almost a sure thing. And we all know Hollywood is all about business, and not really about art. So, Red Dragon was made in the style Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal. It went on to make not quite $100 million, domestically.*

It's difficult to write a review of Red Dragon without mentioning Manhunter, especially if you've seen Manhunter, and especially if, like me, you think Manhunter was a great movie.

So, I'll do my best to base this review on the merits of Red Dragon alone, and not relate it to the original.

Aw heck, who am I kidding? Red Dragon is only a shadow of Manhunter.

Red Dragon follows ex-FBI profiler Will Graham (Ed Norton) as he attempts to unravel the serial murders of two families before a third can be murdered. Ralph Fiennes plays Francis Dolarhyde, the "Tooth Fairy", who, for some reason, is targeting these families. And of course, Sir Anthony Hopkins reprises his roll of Dr. Hannibal Lecter and, once again, assists the FBI with the investigation.

Red Dragon opens on Hannibal Lecter. It closes on Hannibal Lecter. It's obvious that Red Dragon was made to: a) capitalize on the popularity and success of the previous two movies, and b) allow Hopkins to reprise the role he was so famous for in those movies. Unfortunately, this shows in the execution the film. As far as suspense movies go, this wasn't a bad film, but it doesn't really have a reason for existing (outside making a few bucks). It adds very little to what was previously made. On the contrary, it takes away from what was originally a very creative film. The only things really "new" in the movie are the ending (I guess it had to give those who have seen Manhunter something), and a much more pivotal role for Dr. Lecter.

While Red Dragon didn't have me looking at my watch, wondering when it would be over, it didn't leave me with anything memorable, either.

Ed Norton is always good, but in this movie his talents are wasted. Hopkins was okay, but for my money, Brian Cox (Lecter in Manhunter) plays a much better (and creepier) part. Ralph Fiennes gives a lackluster performance as the Tooth Fairy. I've always liked Harvey Keitel, but wasn't impressed as he played Graham's old boss, Jack Crawford.

As I watched, it was almost impossible to not hear the same words uttered by other voices that did much better a few years ago. When Lecter says to Graham, That's the same atrocious after shave you wore in court, I can't help but wish Brian Cox was in the role once again. I think the thing that stands out most about this movie is that Manhunter is art; Red Dragon is just a product. That sounds awfully pretentious, but it's not meant to be. As a matter of fact, Red Dragon made more than 10 times what Manhunter made at the box office. While not bad to sit through once, Red Dragon just succumbs to Hollywood formulae - it's what people watch, but was ultimately forgettable. I'm tempted to spend another 4 or 5 paragraphs reviewing Manhunter, showing how it is a superior film, but alas, this is a review for Red Dragon, and you'd probably be bored, anyway.

While on its own merits, it is probably a passable film (especially if you're a fan of Hopkins's Lecter), juxtaposed with Manhunter leaves it sadly wanting in many areas: acting, cinematography, even soundtrack. (Of course, how do you beat a climactic finale backdropped with a crescendoing In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida?)

In the end, it just spends too much time on Lecter, which, I think, takes away from the film.

See it if you're a fan of Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal, but if you're looking for good, creative film, stick with the original.

			See it if you're a fan of Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal. Don't see it if you're looking for good, creative film (see the original for that), or if you're a fan of Manhunter (though if that's the case, maybe you should see it for comparison).

*Movie grosses are based on Box Office Mojo, as of 4/9/2003.

© 2003 Jim Manchester

Originally posted to Reel People, 4/9/03