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Red Dragon
Review by Mike Furches (Mike's bio)
Directed by Brett Ratner
Written by Ted Tally (screenplay). Based on the novel by Thomas Harris.
Anthony Hopkins... Hannibal Lecter
Edward Norton... Will Graham
Ralph Fiennes... Francis Dolarhyde
Harvey Keitel... Jack Crawford
Emily Watson... Reba McClane
MPAA: Rated R for violence, grisly images, language, some nudity and sexuality.
"And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns on his heads." Revelation 12:3 (New King James Version)
Imagine, the fiery red dragon, also known as Satan takes on human form. A human form that is obsessed with the beast and as a result of the pain of their past they actually seek to devour the beast in every way imaginable. The essence of evil begins to show itself within the man and he has no regard for human life. Men, women, children, none have no value to this beast. The beast capitalizes on fear and in order to be destroyed one must overcome their own fears. Red Dragon in many regards is an exploration of that very subject.
Based on the novel by Thomas Harris, this movie is essentially a remake of the 1986 movie Manhunter. It should actually be considered a prequel to the blockbuster Silence of the Lambs (one of my favorite movies in this genre of all time) and Hannibal. While Red Dragon takes some liberties from the original story line what we end up with is a movie that exceeds the terror of Silence of the Lambs and leaves Hannibal in a cloud of dust. Red Dragon addresses the inner terror that comes about by fear in such a way that audiences will be on the edge of their seats. While Silence of the Lambs was the first and most critically acclaimed movie of its type, possibly ever, Red Dragon succeeds at providing an even more terrifying exploration of fear and is actually superior in virtually every quality.
Back portraying Hannibal Lecter is Sir Anthony Hopkins. While he lacked character in the movie Hannibal, he is back in his evil and wicked form here. He will, as in his original role, be considered for an Academy Award nomination for this portrayal. One of the things that makes this movie work is the role played by Hopkins. Lecter portrays the essence of evil here as well as any character ever devised in literature. This evil character has as a center piece of art a hurting Christ in his jail cell. He in many regards is Satan incarnate who has no morals or concern for life. He only cares for himself and for those who can devise ways to hurt others. Even those though are of little value to him and he will quickly turn against them to obtain his desires.
Red Dragon is centered around the character of Will Graham played wonderfully by Edward Norton JR. Graham, the detective responsible for catching Hannibal Lecter, has retired from the FBI and is encouraged to help catch a sociopathic serial killer known of as The Tooth Fairy/Francis Dollarhyde, played brilliantly by Ralph Fiennes. Norton does an excellent job at presenting a character that you care about and feel for. Graham has his own tragedies to overcome and recognizes, after being persuaded by current FBI agent Jack Crawford (played by wonderful character actor Harvey Keitel) that he has to take the job. Once realizing that his actions could have a dramatic effect on who lives and dies, especially families, does Graham recognize the need to come out of retirement.
Overcoming fears and making the effort to help others is the focus of this movie. It is almost a reminder that true love indicates that one must have a willingness to give up their life for another. While many will focus on the evil nature portrayed by the characters Lecter and The Tooth Fairy in the film it should be remembered that the true hero requires courage. Ultimately, courage and love that requires a willingness to stand up against the things that have hurt them the most, and against the evil that attacks their existence.
Technically this movie is exceptional. There is hardly a wasted frame in the film and I literally found myself sitting on the edge of my seat. It does contain a number of gruesome scenes and is obviously not for everyone. Small children and people having difficulty with story content of this sort will want to stay away. I, however, found myself drawn to the story and plot and while being disappointed some years ago with the movie Manhunter, ended up finding myself very pleased with this film. As said earlier I believe this movie is superior to an already excellent film, Silence of the Lambs. If the audience response is any indication, they also felt the same way. The film includes two of the most diversified actors in Hollywood. Imagine from C.S. Lewis in Shadow Lands to Hannibal Lecter for Sir Anthony Hopkins and from American History X, or The Fight Club to Detective Will Graham for Edward Norton. The direction by Brett Ratner keeps you on the edge of your seat and causes you to go through an emotional roller coaster thrill ride. The psychological terror portrayed is exceptional and done in such a way that some will have trouble with it because it is written and portrayed in such a real way. When those fears occur, it will be important to know the one that can overcome those fears. While some may choose to devour the evil one, only true love has the power to conquer. The allegory of one's willingness to subject themselves to the evil one or overcome them with the love of the Savior is a thought that many will think about after viewing Red Dragon for a long time.
"And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon: and the dragon and his angels fought, and they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. And the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth and his angels were cast out with him."
"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." Revelation 12: 7-11 (New King James Version)
On a scale of 1-10, The Red Dragon receives a rare 10. (Please remember to keep the kiddies away from this one. My son is 12 and there is no way I would take him to see it. I don't believe this takes away from the quality of this movie however.)
Copyright 2002, Mike Furches. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
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About Mike Furches: Mike is the senior pastor of United at the Cross Community Church in Wichita, Kansas. The church, located in the inner city of Wichita has a unique ministry to former gang members, drug addicts, prostitutes and others often neglected by the church. Mike also is involved in freelance writing and speaks nationally. Check out his web page for more information: http://www.furches.org/ E-mail Mike |
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