"It’s a wonderful script and I am so excited. It’s going back to a more intellectual version of the series," says Ratner in response to questions about 'Red Dragon'. I asked about his choices in casting, and especially regarding Ralph Fiennes as the serial killer known as the Tooth Fairy. "I loved him in Schindler’s List and he was somewhat of a serial killer in that movie. He is also a brilliant actor and has the coldness in his eyes. The character also has to have a 'supreme superiority' and I see that quality in Ralph."

In Michael Mann’s version of 'Red Dragon' (which was renamed 'Manhunter'), the central hero is William Graham and was played by CSI star, William Petersen. In Ratner's version, Graham is going to be played by Edward Norton. I asked Brett about that casting since I thought Petersen was a lot older than Norton. Ratner defends his casting of Norton saying that he spoke with agents in Quantico, Maryland about FBI profilers. The director says that profilers have short careers and burn out quickly due to the torment and trauma of their jobs. The trauma relates to about how a profiler becomes involved in a case. Ratner says that Graham is in 'empathy' and it is difficult for Graham to leave his job behind him.

My final question regarding 'Red Dragon' was regarding the internet rumors surrounding the return or cameo of Clarice Starling in the movie. Ratner pauses for a second and says, "No, we haven’t even talked to her so I don’t know what they are talkin’ about." The rest of my conversation with Mr. Ratner involved the recent release of the 'Rush Hour 2' DVD and some other rumors regarding his production company. I asked him about the outtakes on the credits to 'RH2' and he was quite excited about the loads of extras on the DVD. The copy also includes 'Lady Luck,' one of Ratner’s short films from his days at New York University. If you watch a lot of TV, you may even recognize Rebecca Gayheart, who is the star of the film.

Brett talks very fondly about 'Rush Hour 2' star Chris Tucker, as he has known Tucker for years and worked with him on the two 'Rush Hour' films as well as 'Money Talks'. Ratner says on the DVD commentary that Chris Tucker’s chemistry with Jackie Chan and their relationship on film is what people go to the 'RH' films to see.

My next question was regarding the comment that James Bond star Pierce Brosnan had wanted Ratner to be the next 007 director. The director says he loves James Bond and wanted to do the project, but notes that he had already picked 'Red Dragon' before that was even said. Ratner also mentions that to direct a James Bond film would be one of his dreams, and he hopes he is given the chance.

My final query centered on the 'evolution' of the third entry in the 'Rush Hour' franchise. Ratner states that no script has been written, but he believes that the film will start in New York and then take the two characters off to some exotic location where they are both 'fishes-out-of-water'. He adds that it could be anywhere from Africa to Europe, but will be fun regardless of where they end up.