Summary: Hannibal Lecter. The very name conjures up so many iconic images and unforgettable lines. We finally give a long overdue look at the character's film franchise...such as it is. The Hannibal films are indeed an eclectic group with such varied performers, directors, composers, timelines - hell, there's even a remake thrown in the middle. The character of Lecter may have been played by three different actors but it has become arguably Anthony Hopkin's greatest role, a rare occurrence of perfect interpretation. The 1991 sweep of the Oscars may have actually overshadowed the potency of Silence of the Lambs as a genre film in a strange way. Thriller, horror...we're not judging. Things actually kickoff with the underseen first telling of Red Dragon in the 1986 Michael Mann film Manhunter. Silence left everything in it's wake and it took 10 long years before the followup Hannibal which has to be considered a horror tale if for no other reason than Ray Liotta's fate and Gary Oldman's...presence. The quickie remake Red Dragon in 1992 by Hollywood turnstile Brett Ratner has it's detractors but the performances are there nonetheless. Finally, a fateful (and some might say financially motivated?) prequel was produced in 2007 recounting the main events in the life of young Hannibal explaining the source of his evil and specific 'tastes' in cuisine and fine culture. Here's hoping you enjoy our celebration of Hannibal the Cannibal. Some further rambling includes discussion of the new Harry Potter flick, Burning Bright (2010), Winnebago Man (2009), the Planet of the Apes series, Hellraiser, Skyline, Magnum PI (?!)...and much more. As always welcome your comments: horroretc@gmail.com / voicemail (206) 337-5324 WWW.HORRORETC.COM
