In 1981, American journalist Thomas Harris wrote his first work on Dr. Lector, entitled “The Red Dragon,” and five years later, director Michael Mann filmed it. With the movie “Manhunter”, the audience begins to get acquainted with the character, and the chronology of films about Hannibal Lector has a slightly different order.
Thriller “Hannibal: Ascent” (2007)
Oddly enough, but in the chronology of films about Hannibal Lector, the first place is occupied by the picture of 2007. The fact is that the writer wrote the backstory of his famous character only in 2006. Naturally, Hollywood filmmakers immediately embarked on a film adaptation of the novel, a colossal army of fans eager to find out the details of the life of one of the brightest villains in the history of cinema.
The plot of the novel and the film takes the audience to Europe, devastated by the war. Young Hannibal not only survives the tragic death of his relatives, he observes the act of cannibalism, after which he himself feels the perverted call of the flesh. The tape, of course, could go unnoticed, ignored by the mass audience, but this did not happen thanks to the lead actor. Gaspard Ulliel is certainly not E. Hopkins with his piercing scary eyes, but the devilry is present in his eyes. You believe in his thirst for revenge immediately and unconditionally. This project deservedly takes its place in the chronology of Hannibal Lecturer.
The Red Dragon (2002)
After the unsurpassed success of “Silence of the Lambs” and a rather decisive continuation, the creators of the series decide to return to the past and there again plunge into the confrontation of Lector and Will Graham. The prequel, which replenished the chronology of Hannibal Lector, turned out to be surprisingly successful largely due to the strong acting ensemble. Companions Anthony Hopkins became E. Norton, H. Keitel and R. Fiennes. Agree, this is the most unusual cast in a horror movie. But this is the whole charm of the "Red Dragon", the Lecturer does not cease to amaze even when it seems that you know absolutely everything about him.
The Manhunter (1986)
The work of Michael Mann did not become a cult masterpiece, but it deserves respect at least for how it shows violence. The viewer, while watching with his head, is plunged into insane cruelty as much as his imagination allows. Particularly indicative in this regard is the episode of the “conversation” of the psychopath, nicknamed the Tooth Fairy, with the unfortunate reporter Freddie Lounds. His publication really did not like the maniac, and he decided to deal with the author. But he is in no hurry to kill his victim, the crime is preceded by a slide show, followed by a chaotic lecture on the nature of Evil, then a terrible kiss, during which the maniac eats the journalist's lips. Fortunately, at this terrible moment, the camera leaves the place of torture, only the cries of Lounds are heard to the public. The creation of Michael Mann is of certain value for fans of the image of the antagonist, it successfully fits into the chronology of Hannibal Lecturer.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Thousands of reviews have been written about acting in Silence of the Lambs by Anthony Hopkins, although he is not even the main character in Jonathan Demme’s masterpiece. The purpose of the police was a maniac nicknamed Baffolo Bill, who was trying to sew his outfit from the skin of the victims. The hero of Ted Levine always remains undeservedly ignored, but without him the fatal meeting of Lector and Starling would not have taken place.
The film “Silence of the Lambs” was not the first in the chronology of Hannibal Lector, but it was this stylish and flawlessly shot tape that made him one of the most creepy and charming antagonists of world cinema. The picture received five Oscars.
Hannibal (2001)
The brilliant thriller Jonathan Demme showed the viewer only one side of an outstanding maniac, he showed him in the guise of a prisoner. Mysterious, dangerous, smart, but ridiculous in a prison robe, a terrible mask, in the dim environment of the cell. In Ridley Scott's Hannibal, the Lecturer appears completely different. He is on the run, but at large, wears luxurious costumes and is in an atmosphere worthy of aristocrats. The refined taste of the literary hero invented by Thomas Harris is multiplied by the charm and charisma of Anthony Hopkins, a delightful role that turns cruelty into aesthetic pleasure.
The hero of the works of Thomas Harris has not ceased to appear on the screen since 1986. His story, starting with The Manhunter, continued in Silence of the Lambs, threatens to end in the TV series Hannibal (2013-2015) by screenwriter Brian Fuller, giving her a piquant homoerotic overtones. In any case, all the films and series of chronology about Hannibal Lecturer can be safely recommended for viewing.