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"People don't always tell you what they are thinking. They just see to it that you don't advance in life."
The character of Dr. Hannibal Lector is one of the most brooding, foreboding screen villains in history. Michael Mann translated Lector from written literature to film with Manhunter. That film had Brian Cox portraying the title role.
But when Silence of the Lambs hit cinemas, Sir Anthony Hopkins made the role his own. Hopkins was unforgettable, and Silence of the Lambs was acclaimed by both critics and audiences.
About 10 years after its release this sequel was announced. Because of the quality of its predecessor, Hannibal had some seriously large boots to fill.
Hannibal finds the character of Dr. Hannibal Lector (Hopkins) still at large after reaching freedom ten years ago. Now Lector is living the good life in Italy as a museum curator under the guise of Dr. Fell. Special agent Clarice Starling (this time played by Moore as opposed to Jodie Foster) has reached a pitfall in her career after an unsuccessful FBI raid that seriously questions her judgement; what befalls is Clarice being relieved of active duty.
Over in Italy Lector's cover is blown when a sneaky inspector (Giannini) begins poking around; believing that he has found one of the FBI's ten most wanted fugitives. As Lector has now been exposed he initiates a game of cat-and-mouse between himself and Clarice when he heads back to American shores. On top of this a horribly disfigured millionaire (an unrecognizable Gary Oldman) wishes to exact revenge on Lector for what he did to his face several years earlier.
So was it worth the wait for Hannibal, this belated sequel? The answer to that question is seriously up for debate. The major downfall of this film was the little interaction between Clarice and Lector. Silence of the Lambs was brilliant for its frequent sequences that featured communication between the two central characters.
The taut direction of Jonathon Demme was replaced by the artistic, focused direction of Ridley Scott. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Ridley Scott is a highly talented director who will always be skilled behind the camera. Every shot during the film was eye-catching because Scott is always so focused on reaching perfection. The dialogue scenes in particular were filled with energy and engaging performances.
Jodie Foster chose not to reprise the role that won her an Oscar. She is replaced by Julianne Moore: a capable actor whose performance is top notch. Moore does justice to the character; falling just short of reaching the standard of Jodie Foster.
Anthony Hopkins will always be the essential embodiment of Hannibal Lector. Hopkins is unbeatable when you discuss this role. He is menacing and ominous; always remaining cool whenever something happens. The beauty of the character is that no matter how bad the situation is he will never alter his facial expression; instead always remaining brooding and nonchalant.
The production values are utterly sublime; the make-up in particular was outstanding. I could not recognise Gary Oldman underneath the astounding make-up he was caked in.
Hannibal contains some pretty graphic imagery; sometimes displaying a sickening degree of violence and gore. Where would a Hannibal movie be without the gore?
Hannibal was a much anticipated sequel that was marginally a disappointment. The film is very entertaining but builds to a highly unsatisfying anti-climax that is both confusing and betraying. On the whole, the film feels very incomplete albeit entertaining and stylish. A strong sequel to Silence of the Lambs. The film isn't fantastic, although it isn't terrible either.
7/10
