Red Dragon

Guide Note

Red Dragon is a 2002 thriller film and is the prequel to the 1991 classic The Silence of the Lambs. Both films are based on a trilogy of novels written by Thomas Harris, the creator of the now iconic Dr. Hannibal Lecter. As personified by Anthony Hopkins in the films, Lecter is a psychologist, a psychotic killer and a stunning genius.

Fast Facts

1. Starring: Edward Norton, Anthony Hopkins, Ralph Fiennes and Harvey Keitel
2. Music By: Danny Elfman
3. Directed By: Brett Ratner
4. Release Date: October 4, 2002
5. Run Time: 124 Minutes
6. MPAA Rating: R
7. Based on the book by Thomas Harris
8. Remake of Manhunter

A serial killer known as the “Tooth Fairy” (Ralph Fiennes) is on a murdering rampage, killing families in their homes at random. The Tooth Fairy killer calls himself “The Great Red Dragon,” and is completely obsessed with Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) and his past crimes. Will Graham (Edward Norton), the FBI agent who originally caught Lecter, is brought onto the case. Given Lecter's supreme intelligence and connection to the Tooth Fairy killer, Graham confides in the incarcerated Lecter and asks his assistance in predicting the killer's movements.