To start with, Hannibal is an exceptional film. As for those who say, "Its no Silence of the Lambs", they are right. Silence of the Lambs was an Academy Award winning Best Picture. Can you name any other Best Pictures to garner a sequel? Didn't think so. No its not Silence, its different, its darker, its better.
With that said, lets start with the good (Vices the bad, because the movie isn't perfect). Sir Anthony Hopkins is once again brilliant as Hannibal. Oscar worthy? Definatly. Julianne Moore is a more sexy, smarter Clarice, a nice change. (Though not to take away from Jodie Fosters excellent turn at her). The direction is amazing, Ridley Scott can take on Cannibals, Gladiators, Aliens, and Thelma & Louise, and make them all destined classics.
Now for the gripes. The novel Hannibal, by Thomas Harris is one of my favorite all time reads (I rank the novel right at the top along with almost anything by the great Dean Koontz). The ending in the movie was changed from the book. The DVD presents Hannibal with two quite different endings (both 100% different from the book). I almost hated the ending shown at cinemas. As we watch Hannibal we look at him as the hero. Maddenly Brilliant. He's better matched along side Indiana Jones than Charles Manson. Keeping that in mind we want Hannibal to, Firstly get the girl, secondly to escape plight with no injury, and thirdly we want those who want to hurt him to pay. The movie, following its climax, gives us this and more.....minus the first two points. (incidently the book gives us all three).
So, for all you true Hannibal fans out there, I recommend the following: Read the novel first. Watch the film (at night with all lights out of course) and if you have the DVD, check out the alternative ending (Its gives us all points except the first...a little better).
With that said, lets start with the good (Vices the bad, because the movie isn't perfect). Sir Anthony Hopkins is once again brilliant as Hannibal. Oscar worthy? Definatly. Julianne Moore is a more sexy, smarter Clarice, a nice change. (Though not to take away from Jodie Fosters excellent turn at her). The direction is amazing, Ridley Scott can take on Cannibals, Gladiators, Aliens, and Thelma & Louise, and make them all destined classics.
Now for the gripes. The novel Hannibal, by Thomas Harris is one of my favorite all time reads (I rank the novel right at the top along with almost anything by the great Dean Koontz). The ending in the movie was changed from the book. The DVD presents Hannibal with two quite different endings (both 100% different from the book). I almost hated the ending shown at cinemas. As we watch Hannibal we look at him as the hero. Maddenly Brilliant. He's better matched along side Indiana Jones than Charles Manson. Keeping that in mind we want Hannibal to, Firstly get the girl, secondly to escape plight with no injury, and thirdly we want those who want to hurt him to pay. The movie, following its climax, gives us this and more.....minus the first two points. (incidently the book gives us all three).
So, for all you true Hannibal fans out there, I recommend the following: Read the novel first. Watch the film (at night with all lights out of course) and if you have the DVD, check out the alternative ending (Its gives us all points except the first...a little better).
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