Hannibal

 

 

I really like the style of the new NBC Show Hannibal about the early days in the relationship between Will Gardner and Hannibal Lecter. Knowing what we already do about the progression of their relationship (From Manhunter and Red Dragon) it's actually thrilling to look for those little reveals that predict the future. Mads Mikkelsen is a terrific casting choice. As an actor his cool control is something that always had the ability to freak me out.

Lawrence Fishburn returns to TV as FBI Agent Jack Crawford and is as solid as he was during his recent stint on CSI.

As reimagined by writer/producer Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies), Graham, played by British actor Hugh Dancy (Elizabeth I), is on the hunt for a serial killer. Even though he has the ability to find his way into the psyches of the criminals he's chasing, this particular quarry proves too complex even for him.

So Graham calls on the expertise of respected psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter, played by Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, unaware that Lecter is on a killing -- and eating -- spree of his own.

 

This is one of the most interesting but gruesome shows that I have ever seen on regular televsion. People expect to see graphic violence and disturbing content on cable programs but network TV has certain limits that seem to be ignored by the creators of Hannibal.
 

I liked the way that they show how Will is able to get into the head of the serial killers he is tracking. It's all very stylized and full of gruesome imagery. I have to admit that I was rivetted to the screen.

 

Previews of upcoming episodes have shown Gillian Anderson (The X-Files) in her first return to TV in a decade playing, of all things, Lecter's psychiatrist (why do psychiatrists always need psychiatrists of their own?). I am interested to see if she is smarter than he is and for how long he can keep her from learning about the demons that drive Hannibal to do evil.

The allure of Hannibal Lecter is fixed, essentially in The Silence of the Lambs and Manhunter. And why the allure at all? Well, in those two works the monster is as suave as he is dangerous. He is a beast with the beauty of cunning, wit and seductive powers. We know serial killers, in reality, to be scarily deranged and repulsive. With Lecter, our uneasy fascination with the monster is assuaged by grudging admiration for his genius and good manners. Hopkins managed to embrace these layers in The Silence of the Lambs only, and Brian Cox did it in Manhunter.

Clarice Starling -  [Hannibal Lecter has escaped] He won't come after me.

Ardelia Mapp -   Oh really?

Clarice Starling -   He won't. I can't explain it... He - he would consider that rude.