Mediocre thriller.

Originally filmed by Michael Mann in 1986 under the title of Manhunter, the Thomas Harris novel has been adapted to the screen for the second time under the title of the actual novel Red Dragon.

Director Brett Ratner was brought on board to direct this latest adaptation of the successful novel. The man who helmed the Rush Hour films was indeed treading dangerous ground; not only was he remaking a critically acclaimed thriller, but it was also being filmed as a prequel to Silence of the Lambs. Because of the immense popularity and cultural following of Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lector it was essentially inevitable that the studio would want to continue pulling in cash by remaking the overlooked original film; instead of Brian Cox as Lector, we get a much older Hopkins.

FBI agent Will Graham (Norton) still exhibits physical and psychological scars that will never heal after capturing serial killer/renowned forensic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal "the Cannibal" Lector. Graham retires from the FBI after suffering from near-fatal wounds inflicted by Hannibal. Several years after Hannibal is thrown behind bars Graham is called upon to examine case files and evidence of a serial killer who appears to be choosing random families to gruesomely massacre. Despite using great proficiency to solve the case he realises that it can't be done alone. There's only one man he can turn to that could provide a useful profile of the killer: Hannibal Lector.

I enjoyed Michael Mann's original version of the novel, more so than Red Dragon. I found this movie to be quite a pointless rehash that is almost a scene-for-scene remake (there are several drastic changes, but dialogue and scene layouts are glaringly familiar).

The reason for producing a remake was to include Anthony Hopkins and hence tie into The Silence of the Lambs. I was very disappointed when I looked at the shape and physique of Hopkins. He looks a lot older and fatter. I just could not buy this being a prequel. I picked up a few returning actors from Silence of the Lambs but they also look a lot older. It's quite nonsensical to actually believe this film is set before Silence of the Lambs.

Hopkins' character is placed back into the location where he is most chilling. This is of course that grotty cell where he is being held captive. There is a lot more intensity and smart interactions between the characters. It's just such a shame that the time for the movie came and went about 10 years ago. If Hopkins and the other returning actors didn't look so much older I could have bought the premise of this prequel. A wasted opportunity, really, because the ending perfectly ties in with the beginning of The Silence of the Lambs.

Norton shined in his role. I liked his acting more in the first half when I was fascinated by the way he did his work. He's still good in the second half but lacking intelligence and fascination. Ralph Fiennes is exceptional. The actor pulls off vulnerability and emotion with great talent. He wasn't nearly as good as the actor from Manhunter of course.

The filmmaking is quite skilful. Ratner's direction is classy and interesting. I felt that a more artistic approach by Ridley Scott in the film Hannibal was far superior to Ratner's (probably more of an issue with experience); however the directing is still fairly competent. For the most part, each scene is very well directed.

The score by Danny Elfman is atmospheric and occasionally chilling. Elfman's music is always exquisite and a treat for the ears. The good thing is that it wasn't too overwhelming.

Red Dragon should have been made about 5-10 years ago. Hopkins has aged and hence his performance could have been better. But considering how bad this film could have been, it's quite an impressive slice of filmmaking. Die-hard fans of the Hannibal Lector character may be disappointed.