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Directed by: Ridley Scott
Script by: Thomas Harris, David Mamet
Genre: horror - thriller
Duration: 2 h 11’
Nationality: USA – United Kingdom
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| Cast: Anthony Hopkins (Dr. Hannibal Lecter), Julianne Moore (policewoman Clarice Starling), Giancarlo Giannini (detective Rinaldo Pazzi), Gary Oldman (Mason Verger), Ray Liotta (Paul Krendler), Frankie Faison (Barney Matthews), Francesca Neri (Allegra Pazzi), Hazelle Goodman (Evelda Drumgo), Francis Guinan (FBI Director Noonan), James Opher (DEA policeman Eldridge), Enrico Lo Verso (Gnocco), Ivano Marescotti (Carlo Deogracias). |
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It is 1986 and a serial-killer is entering the collective imagery and will not leave it anymore. But it is too early and the audience still needs a more spectacular impact. Brian Cox is not as much charismatic as Anthony Hopkins and the distribution does not trust the project. That is why the beautiful and visionary movie "Manhunter", directed by Michael Mann, flashes past and has no impact, except for a few who have watched it. The true consecration comes only some years later with Hannibal Lecter, the absolute protagonist of the movie "The silence of the lambs". Among the numerous merits of the movie, what strikes mostly is the subtle morbidity with which the viewer finds himself taking sides for the fierce serial-killer, an unmerciful cannibal and skilled plotter, who is capable of looking deep into the irresolute psychological meanders of his interlocutor.
The movie is a triumph, and the common basis of Thomas Harris’ novels leads the writer to decide (also in consideration of money) for another sequel, now written and custom-made for the movie star, Anthony Hopkins. That is why, after the debated publishing success and the detailed account of the different stages of the production, we assist to the arrival to our cinemas of the eagerly awaited movie "Hannibal". It is difficult to remain impartial in consideration of so many expectations. But, in the attempt of maintaining a vision without prejudice (an almost impossible mission!), we should recognize that the movie works well. The comparative analysis with the two previous full-length films are undoubtedly harmful as the new efforts aim at obtaining a great show, though preserving the highly psychological tension among the protagonists, especially in cinema. And Ridley Scott can express a personal style which, though it does not conquer the audience, can anyway fascinates. Hopkins/Hannibal’s nocturnal advance with slow and solemn steps across a chaotic Florence reminds the wandering of Harrison Ford in the Los Angeles of 2019. Anthony Hopkins maintains his charismatic look and attractiveness (though when he walks on bare foot in a dandy and home version, he risks to make himself ridiculous), but what here changes is the character of Hannibal, who now looks less attractive. The predominance of sentiments over his deep-down cruelty makes him less unpredictable and frightful. After all, at the end of the movie, he becomes a sort of romantic super-hero, who sets the world free, in his way, from those who contaminate it. Julianne Moore excellently replaces Jodie Foster, although she looks less vulnerable. A good part is also starred by Giancarlo Giannini, protagonist in the scenes in Florence. The script is well structured and is capable of making the vision and the connection of events more fluid. Yet the disgust overwhelms the ancestral instinctive fear and the fascination of the evil never becomes the real protagonist. What is represented in the movie completely eliminates the possibility of ambiguity and does not allow the viewer to make questions. Although Ridley Scott confirms to be a good entertaining director and keeps a high tension level for all the duration of the movie, he does not allow any emotional after-effects.
It may not seem relevant but, as already said, what probably damages this movie is the comparison with the higher contents of its previous films. Undoubtedly, also the two previous inspiring books had a different style.
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