Film 4: Red Dragon

Media Research, Film 4: Red Dragon
GENERAL STATISTICS
Director:
Brett Ratner
Film Studio:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Scott Free Productions
Box Office Figures:

$209,196,298 - £128,467,446

Budget:
$78 Million Estimated
Distributor(s):
Universal Pictures/ Studios
Age Rating:
15- Contains strong language and threat

Theatrical Trailer

General Statistic Analysis

In terms of the general statistics for this film we can start with the Film studio, Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer has been seen in this analysis task before in the form of 'Skyfall', this is interesting as it tells me that multiple thrillers under the MGM production tend to have very positive ratings, the company obviously has some experience in the thriller aspect. In terms of the strength of the film in terms of ROI, the income the film has produced, has surpassed the budget by approximately $120 Million which is quite strong as it stands. For the distributor, Universal Studios is one of the most wealthy and successful companies in film to date, its stands tall next to Warner Brothers Entertainment, Columbia etc. For the age rating, we have a 15 Rating for strong language and threats, this seems fair enough and for our film I would definitely be checking with the BBFC guidelines to makes sure our film was in our preferred age category.

Opening Sequence 

Film Jumps straight into the Action, in that regard it is reminiscent of Skyfall and I actually think that this method is rather effective, the audience is less prepared for what will happen and as a result it is more shocking and interesting, relatively reminiscent of the characters feelings.

The Opening Credits interestingly find a way to tell the story and it is done very nicely, the stylized theme we see here is rather shockingly powerful made only more so by the dramatic score.

The reactions of the characters are also within the confines of reality, whereas in some action films, getting stabbed could be simply brushed off with mild discomfort, here the reactions are justified. The cop’s reaction is very realistic and Hannibal Lector's is even more so given his psychopathic stance he could stand to be more resistant to pain.

The Lighting in the scene is kept so that the audience can fully see what is happening, much like 007 in that aspect, for this aspect, I think that I will be more likely to use a lighter shot in my film, where appropriate however I think I will try to be a little creative with shadows.

The Dialogue for these scenes is of course rather slow and calculated. This is actually a rather nice effect, the tone and phrases of Lector here are actually rather soothing and it really shows how characters can create strong feelings for the viewer.

In terms of what I can actually take from this, there isn’t much but that in itself is an interesting thing, sometimes I guess less is more and not all action scenes require monumental explosions and gunfights to be effective.