The one created by writer Thomas Harris Serial killer Hannibal Lecter is one of the most iconic characters in pop culture. We have already seen it in a variety of forms in film and television. Tonight the film adaptation of the first Hannibal story is coming to TV: Red Dragon (2002).
In Red Dragon we meet FBI agent Will Graham, who turns to the imprisoned Lecter for help, who almost killed him many years ago. To catch a murderer known as the Tooth Fairy and kills in the light of the full moonrequires Graham Lecter’s insight into the mind of a serial killer.
The better version of Red Dragon came out 16 years before the Edward Norton film
Red Dragon is the first part of Harris’ Hannibal romance tetralogy. Chronologically, the adaptation takes place before the events of The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Hannibal (2001). In addition, there is a prequel to Red Dragon with Hannibal Rising – How it all began (2007). But that’s not all.
You can watch the trailer for Red Dragon here:
Red Dragon – Trailer (German)
Even before the Red Dragon film, which is being shown on television tonight, there was a Hollywood adaptation of the material: With Blood Moon – Red Dragon, released in 1986, director Michael Mann (Heat, Collateral) brought the tooth fairy murders to the cinema. In direct comparison, his version is the significantly better and braver.
There is still one argument in favor of the remake: the cast. While Anthony Hopkins can be seen once again as Hannibal Lecter, Edward Norton takes on the role of Will Graham. In other roles are strong actors like Ralph Fiennes, Harvey Keitel and (!) Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Hannibal Lecter film adaptation: When is Red Dragon on TV?
Red Dragon airs tonight, September 19, 2023, at 10:40 p.m. on NITRO. The broadcast continues until 1:00 a.m. with commercial breaks. Alternatively, you can currently stream the film with a subscription on Netflix.
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