Manhunter (1986) and Red Dragon (2002): A Comparison Review

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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"Do you dream much, Will?"

Okay, this is my first time writing a comparison review on the original and the remake. I figure, I'll review them separately at first and then finish with the comparison. These films are both based off Thomas Harris' novel entitled Red Dragon. Will Graham is pulled into another dangerous FBI manhunt by Jack Crawford. Despite the risk of losing his family, Graham agrees to help. Feeling desperate, Graham is forced to seek the assistance of Doctor Hannibal Lecter/Lecktor.

 In 1986, we were introduced to the characters of Will Graham, Hannibal Lector, and Francis Dollarhyde (the Red Dragon). This film (directed by Michael Mann) mainly follows Will Graham, the protagonist, through this manhunt mystery. However, unlike later films, this story doesn't offer much opportunity to properly know the infamous killers-Lecktor and Dollarhyde. There only role appears when it is convenient for the plot. Lecktor, in the short time that he shown on screen, is intellectually disturbing and cunning. However, he is not highly memorable on screen. Dollarhyde is presented as disturbingly insane. Which makes it curious as to how a woman could become attracted to him. The film hints at the horrors without fully revealing them. For instance, it isn't fully revealed that Lecktor is a cannibal. It also only hints at the crime done to the two families. There is some blood though. The story is designed to make the Graham into the ultimate good hero fighting against evil. The few special effects are very cheesy, and the cinematography is typical 1980's crime style. However, this film's use of crime scene analysis and the sensitive portrayal of an FBI investigator became an inspiration for several later investigative projects.

In 1991, we were reintroduced to Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs. We were also introduced to a new hero, Clarice Starling. In 2002, a remake (directed by Brett Ratner) of the 1986 Manhunt was created due to the huge popularity of the 1991 film. By this film, the public had been fully made aware of Lecter's crimes. This film starts by reminding us of his wicked ways. There is a lot more violence in this film, because it shows more of the villains. It makes Dollarhyde into a more sympathetic and unsettling villain. Lecter continues to enthrall and frighten a captive audience with his terrifying ability to manipulate people. This film was made to skillfully offer more of the favorite villain-Lecter. However, Graham takes on a slightly darker aspect while still remaining as the ultimate good. This film's cinematography is more typical of the 2000's horror style with much better special effects. Unfortunately, since this film was the second sequel to Silence of the Lambs, the film style became very formulaic and repetitive.

There are some small deviations between the two films; such as the prison cell appearance and the ending sequence. Apart from that both films tell the exact same story with a few alterations. Even some of the lines are repeated. These two films really do present the change in times. The hero becomes darker, and continues to do show in the television show Hannibal. The images become much more violent. The villain becomes the center of devote attention. Manhunter was a great basis, but Red Dragon was the full realization of the image.

William Peterson played the role of Will Graham. He was one of the most sincere actors I'd seen in a while on screen. Even if he did appear to have bleached hair and skin. Edward Norton reprised the role of Will Graham. He was sincere, but he managed to bring a slightly darker aspect to the surface. However he was less memorable. So, I would say that William Peterson was better in the role. Brian Cox played the role of Hannibal Lecktor. For the short time he was on screen, he was good. He had the intellectual creep vibe, but was easily forgetful. Anthony Hopkins reprised the role of Hannibal Lecter. As natural, he was amazing in this role. He got to spend more time on screen, but he was always memorable. I'd say Anthony Hopkins was much better in this role. Tom Noonan played the role of Francis Dollarhyde. He was great in creating a frightening killer. Ralph Fiennes reprised the role of Francis Dollarhyde. He created a frightening character that was highly sympathetic. It was much easier to understand the logic behind this killer. Ralph Fiennes was much better in this role.

I give Manhunter 3 out of 5 stars! It is a great introduction of this world and its characters.
I give Red Dragon 4 out of 5 stars! It was a great recreation, even if it felt too familiar.
I will say that Red Dragon was the final product that came out so much better than the original.

Answer to last blog: Ronald Dahl inspired director Wes Anderson, The Budapest Hotel, to re-create a film based on his work.

Question: Who directed Silence of the Lambs?

Jonathan Demme
Ridley Scott
Peter Webber
David Slade