RED DRAGON (2002) / ***
Directed by Brett Ratner. Screenplay by Ted Tally, based on the novel by Thomas Harris. Starring Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes. Running time: 125 minutes. Rated AA for bloodletting, gory scenes and violent scenes by the MFCB. Reviewed on October 6th, 2002.
By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN
Synopsis: Years after putting serial killer Hannibal "the Cannibal" Lecter (Hopkins) behind bars, FBI agent Will Graham (Norton) is summoned out of early retirement. His assignment is to track down "the Tooth Fairy" (Fiennes), a serial killer who has murdered two entire families, chosen seemingly at random. Out of desperation, Graham turns to Lecter to help him gain insight into the Tooth Fairy's mind. But the mad, brilliant Lecter has his own games to play.
Review: After the unexpected grand guignol of "Hannibal", the Lecter trilogy returns to more familiar ground in the prequel "Red Dragon". That may be to its advantage with general audiences, but it's a little disappointing too. "Red Dragon" represents a step backward, and not just chronologically. That's not to say that it isn't a lot of fun -- on the contrary, Ratner proves the usual menu of chills and dark humour. Norton is a good protagonist. In his hands, Will Graham may lack the complexity of Jodie Foster's Clarice Starling, but he's easy to cheer for, and Norton is skilled at letting Graham's own fears and insecurities bubble just below his smart, determined surface. Fiennes skillfully crafts a villain who is both reprehensible and sympathetic. And at the centre of everything is Hannibal Lecter, whom Hopkins once more brings vividly to life, sealing his place amongst the cinema's all-time great antagonists. But although "Red Dragon" starts well with its depiction of a three-way game of wits between Will, Lecter and the Toothy Fairy, the script loses its way in the final reel. The "Red Dragon" gimmick is never used to its full potential, and the climax is pure cliche, following the usual serial-killer formula to the last detail. Though entertaining, "Red Dragon" is like Lecter eating junk food: it might taste good, but it's not really satisfying.
Copyright © 2002 Shannon Patrick Sullivan. Archived at The Popcorn Gallery, http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sps/movies.html
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