Based on the very first "Hannibal Lecter" book by Thomas Harris, Red Dragon (2002) was actually the third in the film series to be made. The story had previously been adapted for the screen in 1986, as Manhunter, with lackluster results. With Red Dragon, young director Brett Ratner had some tough shoes to fill in the franchise, with his predecessors being Jonathan Demme and Ridley Scott. Ratner, who was primarily known for action films, did an admirably restrained job, letting the actors carry the film on their own ability. And the actors are great... including Anthony Hopkins reprising his role as Hannibal Lecter, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes, Harvey Keitel, Emily Watson, Mary-Louise Parker and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
FBI agent Will Graham (Edward Norton) finds himself is a precarious situation. Having caught the ex-psychiatrist cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter several years ago, and being nearly killed by the madman, Graham is called out of retirement to help catch a new killer. The new fiend is elusive, has already killed two families is gruesome fashion and is due to strike again at any time. Graham knows that he needs to consult Dr. Lecter on the case...
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| Red Dragon. 2002: Anthony Hopkins and Edward Norton |
But the horrific memories make communication traumatic for him...
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| Red Dragon. 2002: Anthony Hopkins and Edward Norton |
Nevertheless, Lecter's expertise, though difficult, is one of the FBI's greatest tools...
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| Red Dragon. 2002: Edward Norton |
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| Red Dragon. 2002: Anthony Hopkins |
and may prove useful in catching the killer, who uses his victims for transformation and calls himself "The Red Dragon"...
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| Red Dragon. 2002: Ralph Fiennes |
before it is too late...
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| Red Dragon. 2002: Anthony Hopkins and Edward Norton |
