Hey folks, Harry here with our first look at Ted Tally's RED DRAGON script! From the sound of it, Tally has brought back the ol screenwriter magic with this one... I'm eager to give it a looksee myself. Though personally I so love MANHUNTER that'll it'll be weird reading this. Though I approve of remaking it, because MANHUNTER doesn't feel a part of this series. I get the idea that Michael Mann's adaptation was like the UNIVERSAL Horror version.... and SOTL and H are the Hammer versions.... Different runs by different filmmakers, with a vastly different visual and psychological perspective. Equally great though!
Dear Harry,
I have read the Ted Tally script of 'Red Dragon'. It is amazing and absolutely terrifying. Better than the awful Hannibal - a proper thriller. Unlike Hannibal it does not rely on all the good work done by Demme/Tally in the first film. It stands on its own.
There is some lovely early Lecter stuff and how he got caught. The Will Graham character is fascinating, flawed and on the edge. And the murderer is intriguing and has a proper story of his own. It is very creepy as you are totally drawn into the Dragon's world - just like Will Graham. There is also almost a strange kind of redemption for the murderer towards the end - a story twist that will make the film different and more challenging - as the Dragon deals with the possibility of someone loving him.
Lecter broods over the whole script and pulls off some very dirty tricks. Tally maintains an unrelenting pace and there is an incredible sense of urgency. I have to say that I love the Mann film passionately and reading this you can't help but see some of the locations (especially the murdered family's house) and actor's in your mind's eye. Don't think though that enough people have seen it to hinder the remake. I think it is unfortunate that De Laurentis has been slagging off 'Manhunter' in the press. One of the few people who can escape with pissing off the Mighty Mann!
The Will Graham part needs to be cast carefully as it is his sensitivity the makes him what he is. I am sure that Hopkins could go younger but I wonder if it would be more fun to cast a slightly younger actor. Oldman again perhaps, Roth or a fatter R. Feinnes.
Ted Tally is a very good writer - he gives the audience what they want but also delivers some uncomfortable and horrific moments. The question of audience complicity is brought to the fore as Will Graham begins to see the murders in his head.
Also there is a great audience popcorn moment at the end with Hannibal. Very knowing and will have everyone cheering.
This is a really good script. Hate the spoilers so I have tried to avoid them.
Please call me LERMONTOV
