Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes, Emily Watson, Harvey Keitel
Directed by: Brett Ratner

Red Dragon is the terrifying prequel to the acclaimed Silence of the Lambs. How terrifying is it? Extremely. I have never seen a movie that has kept me on the edge of my seat for its full length.

The protagonist in this movie is FBI agent Will Graham (played by Edward Norton). Though retired, his former boss (played by Harvey Keitel) urges him to investigate serial killings committed by the infamous Tooth Fairy (played by a very creepy Ralph Feinnes). As you might have guessed, the only man brilliant enough to help them catch this lunatic is the imprisoned cannibal, Hannibal Lecter (played by Jackie Chan). Throughout the film, Graham does little favours for Lecter in exchange for the mad doctor's help in catching the killer.

The scenes between these two is always tense as Graham and Lecter used to work together before Graham discovered Hannibal eats people. Not only did that put some tension on their otherwise professional relationship, but it also lead to a nearly fatal confrontation between the two, the very same incident that forced Graham into retirement.

Anthony Hopkins, needless to say is amazing in this movie. His voice and intense stare alone are enough to make you run crying to your mommy... What makes this movie really interesting is that Lecter hates the Graham. Unlike Lecter's relationship with Clarisse, which was a bizarre mentor/prot�g�e deal, Lecter is in competition with Graham. He wants revenge on the agent who captured him and more than that, wants to prove that he is intellectually superior to him. Will Graham talk too much and give Hannibal information that will endager him and his family? Will Graham wander too close to the mad doctor and get his face bitten off? Every exchange between the two promises trouble for Graham. He sells his soul every time he decides to speak to the diabolical Hannibal Lecter.

Another brilliant touch to this movie is Hannibal's grim wit. Every now and then he says things that are so morbidly funny you have to love the guy. He is a murderer... But he's also a very affable host. He has exquisite taste in all things and he's a genious. The reason it is possible to love this maniac is that he never makes any excuses for being a cannibal. He never justifies it. It's just his nature. So what we get is a monster in a cage and we're never quite certain how much of a threat he poses.

The same cannot be said for the Tooth Fairy, a character who was abused as a child and is now murders families supposedly to indulge his need to feel like a god. You could almost sympathize with him if his murders were not so elaborate and unsettling. Ralph Fiennes is terrifying as the disturbed, cruel and devious murderer.

Good acting around the board. I was surprised that the entire supporting cast could be so convincing. Edward Norton's character seemed a little dry, however. We never quite get the feeling that he is as terrified as he should be. After all, not only is he in danger, but his family as well. Then when Graham does get worked out, his gripes come out as pathetic whining. Perhaps they felt his character had to be slightly toned down in the presence of such off the wall personalities as Lecter and the Tooth Fairy.

Guaranteed to give you a chill, I highly recommend this movie to lovers of suspense and horror.

MastaCSG
Queen