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 or a long time
we've anticipated a sequel to the chilling movie Silence of the Lambs.
We've been waiting to find out what happened to the suave psychologist
turned serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, after he managed to escape from
the asylum in Baltimore. Well, the wait is over. On February 9, the movie Hannibal continues the tale. Based on Thomas Harris' novel and adapted for the screen by David Mamet (The Untouchables) and Steven Zaillian (Schindler's List), the story picks up ten years later. Hannibal (played once again by Anthony Hopkins) has moved to Florence, Italy, and has adopted a surprisingly peaceful existence, becoming a curator at the Palazzo Vecchio. Trouble begins when Hannibal learns the authorities are after him once again. His thirst for excitement returns, and he calls FBI agent Clarice Starling (now played by Julianne Moore), with whom he established a connection before he escaped, and tells her: "I've been in a state of hibernation. I need some action, Clarice. I need to come out of retirement and return to public life." |
actors Anthony Hopkins Julianne Moore Gary Oldman Ray Liotta Giancarlo Giannini Francesca Neri director location outtake |
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Clarice, now a veteran agent, has
remained steadfast in her pursuit of Hannibal "The Cannibal."
But when Hannibal returns to the U.S., his past comes looking for him. Dr.
Lecter's sixth victim, the wealthy Mason Verger (Gary
Oldman), wants revenge. No surprise given that the good doctor forced
the former patient to cut off his face with a piece of glass and feed it
to his dogs. Disfigured and dependent on a life-support system, Mason
enlists the help of corrupt Justice Department official Paul Krendler (Ray
Liotta) and hatches a plan to reel in Hannibal using Clarice, and feed
him to man-eating hogs. Of course, Clarice ends up trying to protect the man she is attempting to capture. But the ending is anyone's guess. It's supposed to be more - ahem - palatable than the ending in Harris' novel, which was considered too gruesome for mass consumption. In addition to a new ending, Hannibal has a different director and a new leading actress. Despite the fact that Silence of the Lambs scooped five Academy Awards, director Jonathan Demme passed on the sequel. Ridley Scott (Alien, Gladiator, Thelma & Louise) stepped in, agreeing to direct a sequel for the first time. Jodie Foster (Anna and the King, The Accused), who originally played Clarice, also opted out, choosing instead to direct Flora Plum and produce The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys. So the search was on for a replacement. Although Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth, The Talented Mr. Ripley) was considered, Julianne Moore (Boogie Nights, The Lost World, An Ideal Husband) landed the role. She had the sincerity and strength of character Scott was looking for, and he liked her ability to surprise. It remains to be seen whether Hannibal will match the success of Silence of the Lambs, but it's a sure bet you won't be bored. And if you're not totally scared out of your seat by this film, you'll be glad to know that producer Dino De Laurentiis is planning a remake of the prequel, Manhunter, the first Hannibal movie. - Deena Waisberg |