The Digest
While trying to solve a series of bizarre killings in 1980, FBI Agent Will Graham (Edward Norton) has enlisted the help of the top forensic psychologist in the country - Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). But something doesn't set well with Agent Graham. During the course of their visit, Agent graham realizes that Lecter is really the killer. That revelation lands Graham on life support and then the psych ward. It lands Lecter in an insane asylum.
Fast forward several years and we fin Will living happily in obscurity in Florida wit his wife and son and occasionally assisting the FBI. But his former boss Jack Crawford (Harvey Keitel) wants more than his assistance on this latest case. He wants him to run the entire operation. A new killer has surfaced and he has killed 2 entire families. The killer appears to be killing every full moon and now they only have 3 weeks before he strikes again. Crawford is convinced that the only person who can solve the case in that amount of time is Will Graham.
Will is not so sure h can do it, but he pulls out all of the stops, including contacting Dr. Lecter and asking for his help. This may prove to be a fatal error on Will's part and if it is a huge mistake, will Agent Graham survive the fall out?
The Dish
Having seen Manhunter (which was the first take on this movie) and Hannibal I can honestly say that no matter what happened this time, it couldn't be possible to be any worse than these two. What did surprise me, though, was just how good Red Dragon was. it was close to Silence of the Lambs good. From start to finish I was sucked in. Ralph Fiennes was phenomenal in his take on serial killer Frances Dolarhyde. He managed to capture and portray the vulnerability of Dolarhyde. One minute he made Dolarhyde human and the very next into the monster that he is - switching on and off like a faucet. Anthony Hopkins was in top form as Hannibal this time. His performance this time reminded the audience why he received an Oscar for Silence. We were also given some insight into Hannibal's flaws and weaknesses. I would be remiss to not mention Edward Norton. I've said it before, I think he completely underrated as an actor. Each character he plays, he makes his own. There is no point in any other actor ever trying to recreate anything he has done. I'm also convinced that any time you want a quirky, yet memorable character, Philip Seymour Hoffman is your go to guy.
My only problem was the music. Often times the score drowned out the rest of the scene. Other times it was inappropriate - a big loud crescendo when a soft creepy little melody is what was needed.
The Directive
Anyone who loved Silence must see this movie. Those who have never experienced Dr. Lecter, but have always wanted to, I suggest his movie over Hannibal. BUT keep in mind, there are some gross scenes. This movie deals violent crimes, so do keep tht in mind.
Sure to toast all the competition for years to come.
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Copyright Kamal "The Diva" Larsuel-Ulbricht, 2002
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