‘Red Dragon’ enters Oscar zone; ‘Moonlight Mile’ falls short
Not for squeamish, ‘Red Dragon’ is scary
“Red Dragon” is a relentless, heart-pounding crime thriller that
is definitely not for the faint of heart. The top-notch writing,
directing and acting bring life to a truly disturbing meditation on
the mind of a psychotic killer.
You may well admire the Oscar-quality performances while squirming
in your seat at what’s happening on (or just off) the screen.
This film centers on the vicious murders of two entire families.
To the credit of director Brett Ratner, the fear factor for the
audience is created mostly with Hitchcock-style apprehension and
anticipation, not excess blood and gore. Still, the expert pacing,
the eerie music, the dark photography and chilling story line combine
to provide an emotionally draining experience for the viewer.
The only comic relief is provided by the sarcastic comments and
droll wit of the always excellent Anthony Hopkins as the caged
cannibal, Hannibal Lector.
Ralph Fiennes is multi-layered as the shy Francis Dolarhyde, whose
childhood of horrendous abuse creates his alter ego, the murderous
Red Dragon.
Equally fine acting is provided by Ed Norton as Will Graham, and
Harvey Keitel as Jack Crawford, two intense FBI agents out to snare
the Dragon before he can kill again.
So perverse are the Dragon’s crimes, the agents feel the need to
consult with another psychotic killer for advice on how to identify
and catch him.
And so Graham comes to visit the notorious Lector in the same
prison cell made famous in “Silence of the Lambs.”
Several uneasy scenes between the two men ensue, with sharp
dialogue and dry humor sprinkled throughout their disquieting
conversations.
The tension between them is amplified by Graham’s being the agent
who caught Lector and put him in his current maximum security
situation. Lector stabbed and nearly killed Graham during his
capture, which only adds to the pressure they both feel.
This strained situation leads to some great twists and turns in
their relationship and the plot. While appearing to help Graham’s
investigation, Lector really seeks to join forces with the Dragon and
help the monster eliminate those who are hunting him down.
Realistic police and forensic work add to the suspense as riveting
clues unfold the truth.
As a crime drama with horror overtones, this film is masterfully
done on many levels and will definitely garner some Academy Award
nominations.
Too bad that Hollywood is so good at presenting what is most
perverse and grotesque in human nature. This is not for the
squeamish.
“Red Dragon” is rated R for violence, grisly images, language,
some nudity and sexuality.
* JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator
for the Orange County public defender’s office.
‘Moonlight Mile’ struggles down the road
“Moonlight Mile” is one of those films you sincerely want to
admire. the cast, which includes Dustin Hoffman, Susan Sarandon, Jake
Gyllenhaal and Holly Hunter, along with appealing newcomer Ellen
Pompeo, certainly provides major star power.
When a young woman is shot to death, apparently because she was at
the wrong place at the wrong time, her parents and her fiance
struggle to restore some sort of reason and purpose to their lives.
Unfortunately, writer/director Brad Silberling seems to struggle
to maintain the energy and direction of this story. Scenes that burn
with sincere emotion slip into scenes that feel borrowed from old
soap operas.
The powerful scenes, on the whole, are those with Sarandon. This
amazing actress only grows more dynamic with each film.
Gyllenhaal’s character, Joe Nast, probably never the dynamic type,
is frozen in such a catatonic state one tends to wonder why his
fiance was ever attracted to him. This question, it turns out, is a
key element in the plot.
This film will inevitably be compared to last year’s Oscar
nominee, “In the Bedroom.” “Moonlight Mile” is not a bad film and, in
my opinion, has a much more effective and satisfying conclusion.
However, I can’t quite see it as Oscar bait. I went to see this movie
armed with two extra packets of tissues. I only needed half of one
packet.
“Moonlight Mile” is rated PG-13 for some sensuality and brief
strong language.
* JUNE FENNER, a Costa Mesa resident, is vice president of a
work-force training company.
All the latest on Orange County from Orange County.
Get our free TimesOC newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot.