Red Dragon

Dir Brett Ratner 

Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes, Harvey Keitel, Emily Watson, Mary Louise Parker, Phillip Seymour Hoffman. 

Based on the novel by Thomas Harris. The psychopathic cannibal Hannibal Lector is finally captured by Will Graham. Years after they are both mortally wounded during the arrest, a new serial killer – The Tooth Fairy – is stalking families. Now retired, Graham is called back in by the FBI and enlists Lecter in assisting bringing The Tooth Fairy down.  

Norton does a stellar job in the lead role, although he is billed after Hopkins, Norton is clearly the lead character. Hopkins once again plays Lecter as the imprisoned version, having last played him as a free man in Hannibal. This version is preferred, and he is once again portrayed as the conniving, and evil version. It just helps he’s played by the pleasant Hopkins. 

Very engaging thriller, with a truly terrifying antagonist in the always well cast native British Fiennes. He plays his part perfectly – with the ability to not only apply a middle American accent, but also as his character has a cleft pallet, he adds this too. 

The MVP goes to fellow British actress Watson, who is utterly adorable as the blind Reba. She plays this role so convincingly, and also puts a flawless American accent on. 

The remainder of the cast (Keitel, Parker and Hoffman) are all equally sound as their respective characters, and each feel like they truly have something to do and bring to the film. 

While this is set some time before SotL (roughly 1983), there are some inconsistencies due to the filming in early 2000’s. I didn’t feel like I was watching a film set in the early 80s, but rather one set in the early 00’s. This was only a letdown I can truly pick on. 

A very good film, and a recommend from me.  

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4/5