Ralph Fiennes says he tried to scare Philip Seymour Hoffman on Red Dragon

Movieweb reports that Ralph Fiennes recalled attempting to unnerve Philip Seymour Hoffman during the 2002 filming of Red Dragon, saying Hoffman “acted scared” and calling him “a brilliant actor.”

Fiennes played Francis Dolarhyde, nicknamed the Tooth Fairy, and described the moment as one where the character is trying to terrify someone; the specific scene involves Dolarhyde kidnapping Freddy Lounds, who is then tortured and eventually burned to death. He said the approach to such scenes is about power and following intuitive impulses rather than a rational plan.

Fiennes is currently promoting the new film 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and has discussed his role as Dr. Ian Kelson; a trailer for the movie was released last month and an official synopsis has been shared.

Key Topics

Culture, Ralph Fiennes, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Red Dragon, Francis Dolarhyde, Freddy Lounds