HANNIBAL (18)
D: Ridley Scott
Universal/Scott Free (Dino de Laurentiis, Martha de
Laurentiis & Ridley Scott)
US 2001
131 mins
Horror
W: David Mamet & Steven Zaillian [based on the novel
by Thomas Harris]
DP: John Mathieson
Ed: Pietro Scalia
Mus: Hans Zimmer
Anthony Hopkins (Hannibal Lecter), Julianne Moore (Clarice
Starling), Ray Liotta (Paul Krendler), Frankie R. Faison (Barney), Giancarlo Giannini (Pazzi), Francesca Neri (Allegra Pazzi), Zeljko Ivanek (Dr. Cordell Doemling), Gary Oldman (Mason
Verger)
Weak, disappointing sequel to The Silence Of The Lambs
with Anthony Hopkins reprising his role as the titular character, although without the menace which brought his performance an Oscar in the predecessing film. Jodie Foster thought better than
to return as FBI agent Starling, replaced by a miscast Julianne Moore. The story is very much revenge-based, seeing the evil Dr. Lecter outwitting an old adversary for his personal vengeance
following his escape from a high security detention centre, unfortunately the atmospheric threat from the original film is replaced by mindless violence and attempted barbarism.
Some may find some of these scenes make them squeamish,
others will just find it laughable or cheesy. I sided with the latter.
I wouldn't call this film a cash-grab on the popularity of
the previous movie, but the novel certainly was.
4/10