Red Dragon: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
This vaunted "new" chapter in the exploits of serial killer/cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter is actually the first, essentially a remake ofManhunter, Michael Mann's adaptation of the Thomas Harris novel in which Dr. L. is but a supporting player. But where Mann used a nervous, often ironic rock and postpunk pop score, Danny Elfman's largely orchestral soundtrack here punctuates the film's creep factor with tense arpeggios and crashing rhythms. Nothing wrong with that, per se--the old school masters succeeded following a similar tack for decades. But Elfman is no Bernard Herrmann here. In fact, there's often precious little to remind us that this is the same composer who served up such goth-modern standouts asBatman,Nightmare Before Christmas,Edward Scissorhands, andDarkman. It's a score that's masterfully atmospheric, yet strangely sterile--and one that occasionally dithers uncomfortably close to McGoth. The Enhanced CD features here include interviews with Elfman, director Brett Ratner, and star Anthony Hopkins.--Jerry McCulley