Hannibal (2001)

Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman

Synopsis:
As Clarice Starling's career founders, Hannibal Lecter emerges from hiding and becomes the target of a vengeful victim of his.

Impressions:
Let's face it, Silence of the Lambs is a tough act to follow, perhaps a little too tough. This film is divisive, but arguably the book it's based on is even more divisive. On that note, I'd say this is a fairly pragmatic adaptation that curbs some of the novel's excesses, but it can still come off as a fair bit sillier than the previous film and "silly" isn't exactly the impression you want to leave on the audience with a movie like this. It's ironic that Jodie Foster dropped out because of her objection to the original ending, among other things, which was ultimately changed. Julianne Moore does well enough filling Foster's shoes, but I feel she can't really escape her predecessor's shadow. Anthony Hopkins is of course a treat to watch as Hannibal, but we start to see the good Dr. Lecter become more of a cartoon character, but I suppose that keeps him in line with the story. Gary Oldman is also pretty good as Mason Verger and the makeup work to give him his horribly disfigured appearance is quite good. Ray Liotta's also a good fit as the loutish Paul Kendler, though his character's finale comes off as more goofy than horrific. It's watchable and entertaining enough, but it pales in comparison to Silence, which may make you look at this film especially harshly. Bear that in mind when you make your choice whether or not to watch it.

Rating:
50/50