This is a nice breakdown of all three Hannibal Lecters. For me, Anthony Hopkins nailed it, and I can't really picture anybody else playing the role so well. The other two did fine, for sure. However, Hopkins' portrayal along with the dirty, gothic feel of the Silence of the Lambs just combines for a chilling experience. I also love the way that Hopkins and Foster and other actors look directly at the screen, like they're staring at the audience. This is not done a lot in movies but it's always creepy, much like the old painters of past centuries used to do on occasion. we, the audience, assume we're invisible and then the characters look right at us. It's very spooky. And Hopkins' first speech when Clarice visits really won me over. He demonstrates how powerful he is, even locked in the cell and then when he takes out multiple Miggs, that's pretty sweet, too. Awesome article, Jim.
Thanks for reading my post and for sharing your insights about "The Silence of the Lambs." I love your phrase "the dirty, gothic feel" to describe the movie. And as you note above, the combination of Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster - two very talented actors - really adds a lot to "Silence" as well. I can't imagine the film working as well without them.
I still have yet to see Manhunter but Mikkelsen's portrayal will always be my favourite. It's the perfect combination and elevation of all that came before him. I'm queer, so I am biased, but he aced it for me.
This is a fun one Jim. I enjoyed this immensely. There's just no touching Hopkins. It's permanent but we will have permutations of Hannibal over time - with many more variations to come, I am sure.
I have to go Hopkins. Silence Of The Lambs is a brilliant film. I love Manhunter though. I can rewatch both of these anytime
Yes. I think the very different approaches Mann and Demme take make both films interesting and worth watching.
I really didn't care for the Hannibal show, but Mads was good in it
I would agree with that too!
This is a nice breakdown of all three Hannibal Lecters. For me, Anthony Hopkins nailed it, and I can't really picture anybody else playing the role so well. The other two did fine, for sure. However, Hopkins' portrayal along with the dirty, gothic feel of the Silence of the Lambs just combines for a chilling experience. I also love the way that Hopkins and Foster and other actors look directly at the screen, like they're staring at the audience. This is not done a lot in movies but it's always creepy, much like the old painters of past centuries used to do on occasion. we, the audience, assume we're invisible and then the characters look right at us. It's very spooky. And Hopkins' first speech when Clarice visits really won me over. He demonstrates how powerful he is, even locked in the cell and then when he takes out multiple Miggs, that's pretty sweet, too. Awesome article, Jim.
Hi Parker,
Thanks for reading my post and for sharing your insights about "The Silence of the Lambs." I love your phrase "the dirty, gothic feel" to describe the movie. And as you note above, the combination of Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster - two very talented actors - really adds a lot to "Silence" as well. I can't imagine the film working as well without them.
I still have yet to see Manhunter but Mikkelsen's portrayal will always be my favourite. It's the perfect combination and elevation of all that came before him. I'm queer, so I am biased, but he aced it for me.
This is a fun one Jim. I enjoyed this immensely. There's just no touching Hopkins. It's permanent but we will have permutations of Hannibal over time - with many more variations to come, I am sure.
Yes, for sure. It would be interesting to see how other actors portray Lecter in the future too. Thanks for reading!
Great article!