While RED DRAGON does not surpass THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, it comes really close with a story that is similar in tone and plot. Norton plays a retired FBI agent who is dragged back into practice by Keitel to interview our favorite cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter(Hopkins) about another serial killer who is known only as the "tooth fairy" (Fiennes). Interesting concept is that Norton is the very person who put Hannibal behind bars in the first place. The script was carefully controlled but why get an amateur director to do this movie. Thankfully, the ensemble cast drew me in. There are no slackers in this wonderful cast of pioneering actors (old and new). What's great about DRAGON is that we actually get to know the serial killer's (Fiennes') character and what drove him to become a crazed psychopath. His relationship to Watson (a blind and wholehearted woman) holds the story together and adds a sexual tension to the film that is unique to the series. Norton, Keitel and Hopkins are compelling in the leads. I really didn't care for Hoffman's character, but his scene with Fiennes when the "Red Dragon" is revealed is a humorous and scary scene. It's a perfect combination of suspense and humor. I must admit that while MANHUNTER (an earlier version of DRAGON) has superior cinematography, DRAGON comes really close and its effect of creepiness and chilling atmosphere. Surely, DRAGON is one of the best movies you'll catch this summer and definetely a worthy entrance to the series. Enough already though! But go and get another good scare and be entertained!
Review of Red Dragon
