|
A date with Hopkins
The actor reprises Hannibal Lecter the third time in the skillfully crafted Red Dragon
|
Som Chivukula
Anthony Hopkins is back as Hannibal Lecter in Red Dragon. The film actually a prequel to the Oscar-winning Silence Of The Lambs. Thomas Harris's 1981 novel was adapted for the screen in the 1986 film Manhunter, which first introduced the devilish Lecter.
Manhunter starred Brian Cox as the cannibal and was directed by Michael Mann. Many film critics and fans pointed out that the film did not do justice to the novel. The new movie follows the book closely under a script by Ted Tally, who also wrote Silence Of The Lambs for the screen.
Brett Ratner, who helmed the two Rush Hour movies, directs Red Dragon, set in the year 1980.
Hopkins, who reportedly received $20 million, is back for the third time in the role he made famous. Red Dragon has a few predictable moments, including a taut Friday the 13th-esque ending. Yet, it is a thrilling ride that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Fans of suspense films as well as the original book are likely to enjoy this re-creation, boosted with A-rate performances.
The mood is set in the beginning. Hannibal Lecter is at the symphony with his eyes and mind keenly focused on a violinist. The scene then shifts to a dinner table where the symphony's board is enjoying a meal prepared by Lecter.
FBI agent Will Graham (Ed Norton) exposes Lecter, and he sent to a maximum security prison. Graham is ready for retirement after the near-fatal encounter with Lecter. A year later, Graham's boss Jack Crawford (Harvey Keitel) comes to his Florida home to get
Graham's insight on a grisly murder by a killer known as the Tooth Fairy.
Crawford convinces Graham that his watchful eye would be a great benefit. Graham gives in and is soon obsessed with the evidence lurking around. When he hits a dead end, Graham finds himself turning to Lecter for insight.
Lecter, for his part, is full of rage and taunts Graham. Though he is fascinated with Graham's passion and gives a few clues. At the same time, Lecter double-crosses Graham by communicating with the killer Francis Dolarhyde (Ralph Fiennes). Soon it is a game
of survival that goes back and forth between Graham and Dolarhyde.
The atmospheric setting draws the viewer in from the very first frame. Tally remains faithful to the book and puts together a fantastic script, one in which Hannibal Lecter has a significant role. Manhunter only had Lecter in a couple of scenes but here Lecter does more, in tune with the book.
Furthermore, the supporting performances that include Emily Watson as the blind woman falling in love with Dolarhyde and Philip Seymour Hoffman's zestful portrayal of a tabloid reporter lift Red Dragon. Hopkins, Fiennes and Norton are also mesmerising in their roles.
Though the ending may be dissatisfying to some, it must be noted that Ratner skilfully builds up tension. After a good two hours, finding fault with the climax may just be a case of nitpicking in an otherwise gripping film.
Hannibal, the sequel to Lambs, was considered unnecessarily gory, yet managed to connect with audiences bringing in $160 million.
Red Dragon, while not in the same league as Lambs, is superior to Hannibal.
Comparisons between Red Dragon and Manhunter will also crop up, but with a strong cast and a tightly knit plot, the new film is worth the price of admission.
Also read:
Coming soon, Hannibal horror
Tell us what you think of this review