So the long awaited sequel to ’’Silence of the Lambs’’ has finally hit our screens. I’d heard mixed reviews about ’’Hannibal’’; but I was determined to go see it anyway and boy am I glad I did.
I read the book when it first appeared and enjoyed it immensely, and although the movie differs from the novel in many ways (which I won’t go into here as this is a review of the movie), I enjoyed it just as much. We open with Clarice Starling coordinating the arrest of a young woman. The arrest goes wrong and Starling is held responsible. She is given the task of locating Dr Lecter as a way of penance. And there the story starts. The interplay between the two leads is gorgeously played, and although some doubted that Julianne Moore would be able to do justice to the role created by Jodie Foster, she really does triumph in bringing the character even more depth. Anthony Hopkins is outstanding reprising the role of Dr Lecter. The plot moves along at a nice pace, hardly leaving you room to think, because just like ’’Silence...’’ you think about it afterwards.
I feel comparisons between the two films are unfair as they are as different as different could be. ’’Hannibal’’ is a true cinematic masterpiece; the editing, blocking of shots and creation of atmosphere is superb. ’’Silence...’’ follows a more linear traditional cinematic pattern whereas ’’Hannibal’’ is less structured and more flowing. There is a kind of beauty about Hannibal’s ’’work’’, however sick that sounds!
I do not hesitate in recommending this film, it has everything; a cracking plotline, outstanding performances and whats more, it grossed me out completely and any film that can do that surely must be worth something?!!!