Rent Hannibal (2001)

Hannibal- A disappointment - Hannibal review by OL

The second of Anthony Hopkins Lecter films, this is probably the worst. It seems to exchange plot lines for gore. Gary Oldman's part as the 4th victim was not used properly. His ending- Being pushed to be eaten by pigs was the worst ending for a villain. Jullian Moore replaces Foster. Unfortunately, she seems to confident where as Jodie Foster was a unconfident probationary FBI agent now she is too confident gung ho character which is the opposite of the Silence of the Lambs performance. Ray Liotta inclusion was a bit pointless. A disappointment compared to Silence of the Lambs or Red Dragon.

An excellent, deeply involving film with beautiful cinematography, sound & performances - Hannibal review by TB

After The Silence of the Lambs, excitement was at fever pitch for the sequel. And for many people, Hannibal was a real letdown. What they effectively wanted was, more than anything, a continuation of the magnificent world created by Ted Tally (the screenwriter) but even more so Jonathan Demme (the director.) And I have to be honest, I'd have loved that as well.

But, following the publication of the novel and the total change in how the characters evolved/how the story unfolds, Demme, Tally and Jodie Foster all bailed, claiming none of them could tolerate this. So, as much as this is a sequel which features the characters and certain themes from Lambs, in a very true sense, it is much more a continuation than direct follow on.

But I loved it, partly because of these changes. So often, especially with sequels, people complain that there hasn't been enough of a change to make it interesting to keep involved with the story, or as in the case with Hannibal, it has changed TOO much.

And there are sweeping changes. The main one, and the principle reason for the departure of the people above, is the increased level of violence. Lambs was much more about tension and brief glimpses, shocks and letting your mind do the work. Here, there are some truly shocking and, in one case, almost vomit inducing scenes which some may find too much. But for me, this was simply a part of that film's different world, as well as in certain cases a source of humour.

What I also loved was the production values. This was, in 1999, a massively high budget film. And every single penny shows. Italy, particularly the opera scene, is perfection. The cinematography, locations, stunts and music masterful. And the roll call of actors incredible.

Hopkins is, as ever, outstanding. Whilst there was a bit more of the theatrical to his Lector in this film, this also fit with the tone. Plus he can turn on the sinister at the flip of a coin. And starring opposite him, Julianne Moore makes an excellent Clarice. Hopkins personally recommended her for the role and she really makes it her own. Certainly the trauma that Starling goes through in Hannibal is really gut wrenching at times, and this is perfectly acted.

My other favourite was Ray Liotta. His character Paul Krendler is a complete sleazeball, his odiousness dripping out of the screen. Liotta absolutely nails this and for me, he was an absolute highlight.

The reason though the film only gets 4 stars is because some of the scenarios are too far-fetched, even in a movie like this with its tongue firmly lodged in its cheek. It is also too long and the ending, which is different from the novel, just didn't work that well for me, especially considering the build-up is so well done.

But still a great film to watch, especially when you don't go in expecting a SOTL sequel. Take it on its own merits, enjoy it for what it is, and you'll love it.