The old adage about movies states that, with few exceptions, sequels pale in comparison to the original film.
Hannibal, the sequel to the 1991 masterpiece The Silence of the Lambs, supports this theory. This is not to say that Hannibal is a bad film, only that it does not live up to the lofty expectations set by its predecessor. Hannibal is a more gruesome, visceral picture than Silence, which focused more on intellectual analysis and psychological thrills.
In the sequel, Anthony Hopkins reprises his Oscar-winning role as Dr. Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter. As in the first film, Hopkins absolutely shines as the psychotic but intelligent killer who enjoys literally feasting on his victims. Hopkins delivers every one of Hannibal?s lines and mannerisms brilliantly, perfectly conveying the charming but sinister vibe that is essential to the character.
Hannibal’s foil is FBI Agent Clarice Starling. This time around, Starling is portrayed by Julianne Moore, who took the role after Oscar-winner Jodie Foster backed out. Moore portrays Starling as a tough, embittered agent who has often been held back by the male-dominated system.
This portrayal of Starling starkly contrasts to Foster’s Starling in Silence, who was more reserved and personable. As in the previous film, the interaction between Lecter and Starling is first-rate, though it’s not as frequent as in Silence. Watching the two intelligent characters play mind games with each other and guess the other’s next move is an enjoyable spectacle.
The dynamic of Hannibal is vastly different from Silence. In Silence, Lecter spent the majority of the film confined to his cell in a mental institution. From the beginning of Hannibal, Lecter is on the loose-cleverly hiding himself in Florence, Italy, and keeping a job as a museum curator. While having Hannibal on the loose is certainly an interesting idea, it definitely detracts away from the mystery that shrouded the imprisoned Hannibal in Silence.
The plot of Hannibal is more action-driven than its more cerebral predecessor. After a botched drug bust, Starling gets in hot water with one of her superiors at the Justice Department, Paul Krendler (played by Ray Liotta).
Starling is then assigned to look into the whereabouts of Lecter, who has made his way back onto the FBI?s 10 Most Wanted List. The reason for the agency?s renewed interest in the elusive Lecter is mysterious, but Starling’s research leads her to believe that twisted millionaire and surviving Lecter victim Mason Verger (played to creepy perfection by Gary Oldman in an uncredited role) is behind the new search for Lecter.
Thanks to Dr. Lecter, Verger has a grotesquely deformed face, and his personality is just as misshapen. Verger wields an incredible amount of power in the government and is able to use his money and influence to feed his obsession with locating and capturing Lecter. Verger’s intentions for Lecter involve a cruel and excruciating feeding frenzy, of sorts.
As Starling learns more about the ulterior motives for the agency?s search for Lecter, she develops mixed emotions. Her strange relationship with Lecter pushes her to simultaneously seek both his safe return to imprisonment and his escape from corrupt officials and Mason Verger. The strange nature of Starling and Lecter’s relationship is further developed throughout the film.
Much has been written about the violence and gore in the movie. Clearly, there is a great deal more onscreen violence in Hannibal than there was in Silence. And the movie’s climax features what promises to be remembered as one of the most disturbing and gruesome images in recent memory. While it would be unfair to mention the details of the scene, it is important to say that a strong stomach might be necessary for the movie’s end.
Hannibal is a more stylish, graphic movie than its predecessor, The Silence of the Lambs. In the end, though, it is not as intellectually stimulating as the original. While Anthony Hopkins is again in top form as Hannibal Lecter, Julianne Moore does not live up to the high standard set by Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling.
While Hannibal is an intense and enjoyable sequel, it does not have the subtle mystery and intricacies that made Silence such a success. B