Hannibal
 
reviewed by Doug
Schneider I
waited for the release of Hannibal like few other movies I can remember. It’s
based on the book by Thomas Harris, which I read the first day it was available -- just
like I saw this movie on its first screening.
Contrary to popular belief, Hannibal is not the
second movie to feature the Hannibal Lecter character; it’s actually the third. The
first movie in this series was the 1986 Michael Mann-directed feature Manhunter, which
starred Brian Cox in the man-eating psychologist role (the book that movie was based on is
called Red Dragon). But it was the unforgettable 1991 release of The Silence of
the Lambs (directed by Jonathan Demme) starring Anthony Hopkins that made this movie
and book series really popular.
Hannibal takes place ten years after The Silence
of the Lambs. Lecter escaped at the end of the previous installment and is now living
in Europe. He’s disguised himself and has managed to blend into society’s elite.
However, back in North America a wealthy man named Mason Verger (Gary Oldman) hasn’t
forgotten Lecter. Verger was Lecter’s only surviving victim. However, the fact that
he survived is not necessarily a blessing; his physical condition is such that many would
think he would be better off dead. However, from his bed he uses his wealth and influence
to flush Lecter out so he may exact his revenge.
The movie follows the book quite closely, but leaves out
many of the fine details that made it a rich treat to read. Still, fans of the book will
likely enjoy this movie as I did. While reading it I could already picture the film.
Ridley Scott seems to have hit it dead on, even down to the repulsive and gory details
graphically drawn out in the book (Warning: don’t see this movie if you are the least
bit squeamish -- they really dish out the gore here!). The only drastic change is
the ending. I can’t say it’s necessarily better or worse. It’s just
different. Actually, I welcomed the change because it did offer a couple of surprises for
me.
Finally no review would be complete without touching on a
key aspect of the casting. Forget the notion that it can’t be the same because Jodie
Foster isn’t back as Clarice Starling. Foster’s great, but replacement Julianne
Moore fills her shoes wonderfully. Besides, it’s Hopkins who’s the show piece of
this film. Without him, I doubt that it could have been pulled off as well as it has been
done here.
In the final tally Hannibal wins a **** rating. In
my estimation it isn’t quite what The Silence of the Lambs was. It’s
compelling, but it just doesn’t muster up close to the same tension. In fact,
what’s done here is almost comic bookish in comparison (there’s a very funny
moment where Verger tells the repulsive tale of how he ended up so disfigured and finishes
off by saying, "It seemed like a good idea at the time"). Scary or not,
it’s worthwhile viewing for fans of this genre of film. |
