by Thomas Harris
, first published in 1981. It was the first novel to feature Harris's character Dr. Hannibal Lecter
, a brilliant psychiatrist
and cannibalistic
serial killer
. The novel was adapted as a film, Manhunter
, in 1986 which featured Brian Cox as Lecter. Directed by Michael Mann, the film was critically well received but fared poorly at the box office. After Harris wrote a sequel to the novel, The Silence of the Lambs
, in 1988 (itself turned into a highly successful film in 1991), Red Dragon found a new audience.
You are indeed a remarkable boy. I think I'll eat your heart.
We musn't judge too harshly Will, it was his first time. Have you never felt a sudden rush of panic?
Ah yes Dr. Chillton. Gruesome isn't he? Fumbles at your head like a freshman pulling at a panty girdle.
Tell me, Will. Did you enjoy it? Your first murder? Of course you did. And why shouldn't it feel good? It does to God. Why only last week in Texas, he dropped a whole church roof on the heads of 34 of his worshippers, just as they were groveling for him. He wouldn't begrudge you one Journalist.
He's not keeping the organs as souvenirs, Doctor. He's eating them.