Francis Dolarhyde aka the Red Dragon made his first appearance in Thomas Harris 1981 novel Red Dragon before appearing in Michael Mann's 1986 movie adaptation Manhunter in which he was portrayed by Tom Noonan (RoboCop 2). He returned in the 2002 movie Red Dragon, this time portrayed by British actor Ralph Fiennes (Schindlers List) and is set to grace our small screens in the forthcoming third season of hit cult US TV show Hannibal, this time portrayed by Hobbit trilogy star, British actor Richard Armitage.
Fictional Biography
Tom Noonan's portrayal of Dolarhyde from Michae Mann's 1986 chiller Manhunter!
Born with a cleft palate and lip Francis Dolarhyde was abandoned at birth and cared for in an orphanage. At the age of five his paternal grandmother raised him until her death, at which point he was placed under the care of his mother and stepfather; all of whom subjected him to severe mental, emotional and physical abuse, before he was returned to the orphanage. Aged seventeen Dolarhyde enlisted with the US army where he recieved surgery for his cleft palate and lip, acquiring two sets of false teeth - one normal set, and another mouded after his grandmothers, with notably prominent incisors. Becoming obsessed with William Blakes 'The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed in Sun' Dolarhyde had the painting tattooed on is back and chest while on tour with the US Army in Hong Kong. Having served with the US Armys home movie division before the end of his service, Dolarhyde returned home to Missouri, gaining employment as a home movie technician.
Ralph Fiennes' reimagining of Dolarhyde from Brett Ratner's 2002 chiller The red Dragon!
Modus Operandi
Disgusted by his own appearance and a social introvert, Dolarhyde is a compulsive voyeur (as evidenced from his occupation). Dolarhydes narcissism makes him believe that he can transform himself into a beautiful 'Great Red Dragon'; his other self and a manifestation of his schizoid personality disorder. To achieve this transformation Dolarhyde murders families chosen from the home movies he edits as part of his occupation. Striking during the full moon he uses knowledge garnered from the footage to infiltrate the families home, murdering the father and fatally wounding the mother before murdering the children and arranging their dead bodies alongside that of the father, placing shards of broken mirror (from throughout the home) in their eyes so that they may act as an audience as he rapes the mothers corpse, biting her. This act fulfills Dolarhyde's need to be desired and accepted.
Richard Armitages casting as Dolarhyde in the chilling US TV show Hannibal will allow fans of the show, Hannibal Lecter movies and/or books by Thams Harris to really delve into the character, his past and his delusions. Fans of the movies Manhunter and Red Dragon will know that Dolarhyde is also responsible for the fiery murder of news reporter Freddy Lounds, portrayed in Hannibal by actress Lara Jean Chorostecki. Lounds has previouly been portrayed by Avatars Stephen Lang and the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman. Richard Armitage will make his first appearance as Francis Dolarhyde in episode 8 of the third season of Hannibal, due to air June 4th on US TV network NBC.
