Thomas Harris' Red Dragon (WORK IN PROGRESS)

PREAMBLE:
Red Dragon is my favourite novel. The book, the second publiched by journalist-turned author Thomas Harris, is a harrowing portrayal of the trials of an FBI profiler named Will Graham, as well as the first outing of Hannibal Lecter. Complete with the terrifying serial killer Francis Dolarhyde–whose heart-wrenching backstory is painted with an in depth and sympathetic brush–the story is compelling and engrossing.
The movies, however, are disappointing. The first adaptation, named Manhunter, manages to give an almost flawless recreation of Graham’s story, but shortchanges us with a Dolarhyde who is all but a husk of his book counterpart–no blame of which lands in the lap of Tom Noonan. Meanwhile, Red Dragon from 2002 gives Dolarhyde the attention he deserves, but fails to match Manhunter’s portrayal of Graham–no blame for Edward Norton. On top of this, Red Dragon beefs up Lecter’s to distracting levels.
Neither film stuck true to the phenomenal ending of the novel.

CONCEPT:
By combining Michael Mann’s Manhunter–with William Peterson as Graham, Dennis Farina as Crawford, Brian Cox as Lecter, and Stephen Lang as Lounds–with Red Dragon–Ralph Fiennes as Dolarhyde, Emily Watson as Reba McClane–I hope to be able to create the adaptation the book deserves.

VAGUE LIST OF CHANGES:
New opening credits and title sequence.
Intercut between Manhunter’s police investigation and the life of Francis Dolarhyde from Red Dragon.
Add deleted scenes from the Manhunter Director’S Cut.
Replace majority of the score with music from Michael Mann’s HEAT, as well as other work from composer Elliott Goldenthal, with Red Dragon score used for Dolarhyde.
Recreate the Dragon holding Lounds footage of Stephen Lang and Ralph Fiennes.
Frankenstein new ending to better fit the tone of the novel.

PREVIEWS:
MEETING LECTER:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W6ADdWF5yY7xFRaceArtsuOXyeLoaIt0/view?usp=share_link

Can you make a version that has Hopkins’ Lecter to match Silence of the Lambs?

red41804 said:

Can you make a version that has Hopkins’ Lecter to match Silence of the Lambs?

I suppose it could be possible with some serious jigger-pokery. I will have a look with the footage, but considering that the Lecter cell in Manhunter is stark white and clean, in comparison to the dank hell hole of the SotL setting, it might be tough. Will give it a go, nonetheless.

This is insane.

I have to see it.

Get it done, please.

mrbenja0618 said:

This is insane.

I have to see it.

Get it done, please.

Hehe, well, thanks for the vote of confidence. I’m glad you’re interested in the concept. Will keep pushing on with it.

Here’s the first preview. Though it’s a scene that only includes footage from Manhunter, I think it’s one that I’ve been able to shift the tone of it nicely
MEETING LECTER:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W6ADdWF5yY7xFRaceArtsuOXyeLoaIt0/view?usp=share_link
Theatrical Version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN244X4OiLQ&t=

Nicely done - I’m a great fan of Hannibal Lecter but I’ve never been a fan of this film. Maybe with your recuts and re-scores you can create a better movie. Manhunter has always been like a 1980s TV cop drama instead of a decent cinematic thriller.

Zagadka said:

Nicely done - I’m a great fan of Hannibal Lecter but I’ve never been a fan of this film. Maybe with your recuts and re-scores you can create a better movie.

Thanks a bunch, will try.

Zagadka said:

Manhunter has always been like a 1980s TV cop drama instead of a decent cinematic thriller.

I mean, it does make sense, for better or worse, considering Michael Mann worked on Miami Vice, lol.

I’d love to see a fan edit of Red Dragon/Manhunter edited together, despite that suspension of disbelief that would inquire to watch. I know I’d enjoy the edit, let me know if it is ever ready.