Red Dragon (2002)

AKA: –
Year: 2002
Directed by: Brett Ratner
Starring: Edward Norton (Will Graham), Anthony Hopkins (Hannibal Lecter), Ralph Fiennes (Francis Dolarhyde), Harvey Keitel (Jack Crawford), Emily Watson (Reba McClane), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Freddy Lounds), Mary-Louise Parker (Molly Graham), Anthony Heald (Frederick Chilton)
Country: United States
Language: English (English Subtitles)
Runtime: 02:04:25
Genres: Serial Killers, Detective-Mystery, Psychological Thrillers, Cannibalism

Plot – Spoilers:
Will Graham, an FBI agent has the unique trait of analyzing a crime with the imagination of a serial killer. This helps him scalp a couple of them, none bigger than Hannibal the Cannibal. Hannibal for his part believes he and Will are kindred spirits, and that while he was able to free himself from the shackles of morality, Will Graham chose to stay on the other side of the fence.

Will almost dies while capturing Hannibal and the resulting trauma sees him retire from active duty and move to a remote beach with wife and son. Until his former boss Jack Crawford comes calling seeking advice on a new serial killer who’s claimed two families and looks set for more.

Will agrees to take a look at the crime scenes, but gets drawn further into the investigation and is finally convinced by Jack Crawford to approach Hannibal for his opinion on the killings.

The 1986 version of Red Dragon while stylistically superior having been helmed by Michael Mann, drops away in terms of acting prowess when compared to this one. Here, almost every character is portrayed by a supreme modern talent who brings power and depth to pretty much every scene they are in.

Favourite Scenes:
1. Every scene where Ed Norton and Anthony Hopkins face off.
The most powerful of these moments is when Hannibal snarls at Will like a caged beast asking, “Have you never felt a sudden rush of panic?”

2. Emily Watson as blind Reba
Not sure many have nailed blindness better than she does here, especially the loneliness, self-hatred and eagerness to not mess up a potential relationship.

HANNIBAL LECTER SERIES:
1. Hannibal Rising
2.1 Manhunter (1986 Red Dragon version)
2.2 Red Dragon (2002)
3. The Silence of the Lambs
4. Hannibal