In 1986, filmmaker Michael Mann, fresh from his success with television's stylish "Miami Vice," made Manhunter, a film which closely follows the events of Harris's novel yet provides Mann the opportunity to demonstrate his personal cinematic style. Critics generally applauded the performances of Tom Noonan as an alternately frightening and sympathetic Dolarhyde and Brian Cox as the film's Dr. Lektor (sic).

Less appealing to some critics was the movie's obsession with style, revealed in stark modernistic sets, obtrusive soundtrack music, and the continuous three-day beard of William Petersen as Graham. Despite mixed reviews, Manhunter is generally successful in its translation of the novel's strengths, particularly in its evocation of psychologically complex characters.

An abridged version of Red Dragon is available as a book on tape from Simon & Schuster. The reader is Chris Sarandon.