As a huge fan of Michael Manns Manhunter,i was sceptical to say the least when i heard there was going to be another adaptation of the magnificent Thomas Harris novel,Red Dragon.On seeing the film my scepticism turned to admiration,because this is a very impressive film.While this is nowhere near as stylish as Manhunter,it's straightforward,no nonsense direction works well for Tom Tally's extremely faithful screenplay.The cast are faultless.Ed Norton is perfect as the angst-ridden Will Graham.Hopkins obviously relished playing Lecter again,and gives the character an interesting slant by making him a much angrier and bitter character.Emily Watson is surely up for a best supporting actress nomination next time the oscars roll by,her scenes with Norton near the end are beautifully played,and quite touching.But the real revelation is Ralph Fiennes as Dollarhyde.He is quite simply magnificent,in a difficult part.Pulling off the character exactly as he is written in the novel.This is a wonderful companion to The Silence Of The Lambs,and i'd tentatively say that Red Dragon is the better film.It's inevitable comparisons will be made between this film and Manhunter,but why bother?Fans of the novel now have two excellent adaptations to enjoy!
Review of Red Dragon
