'Red Dragon' continues Lecter trilogy

By Chris Tinney
Staff Writer

On March 11, 2003, I attended a viewing of “Red Dragon,” sponsored by SAPB. Released in 2002, “Red Dragon” is a prequel to “Silence of the Lambs” and the first of the Hannibal trilogy. In this film, Dr. Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) does not disappoint, portraying Hannibal as a gruesome, masterful psychologist.

The film begins with FBI investigator Will Graham (Edward Norton) consulting with Dr. Lecter, in search for a Hannibal killer. When Graham realizes that the doctor is the killer we learn how Lecter was originally caught in the 1980 movie.

Almost losing his life in the capture of Dr. Lecter, Graham retires from his job and moves to Florida with his family. Three years later Graham’s former boss, Jack Crawford (Harvey Keitel) begs Will to consult a new case with him – a psycho serial killer, nicknamed The “Tooth Fairy”. With Dr. Lecter in a Baltimore Asylum, Graham agrees to help out with the case.

Unable to break the case of the “Tooth Fairy” Graham is forced to turn to the man who almost killed him, Dr. Lecter. Lecter is known as a great mastermind of riddles, clues, and serial killers. He eventually helps Graham find the killer but with a price for the young detective to pay. At the end of the movie Dr. Lecter is sitting in his cell when a police officer informs him that another FBI agent needs his help. Lector asks the name of the agent and the officer responds, “Clarisse”. This part of the movie foreshadows what is to come in Silence of the Lambs.

I was extremely satisfied with the third installment in the Hannibal series. I give Red Dragon two thumbs up. Edward Norton plays off Hopkins soft humor so well it leads us to no surprise that he is one of the best young talents in Hollywood today. Released in 2002, it is now out on tape near video stores near you. If you liked Norton in Red Dragon, you should also check out: Primal Fear, Fight Club, Rounders, and The Score.

March 27, 2003 Issue