“Not a nick in the blade, I promise you. The butcher was like butter.”
The Origin Story Nobody Asked For
After the success of the Hannibal Lecter films, producer Dino De Laurentiis wanted to continue the franchise. When author Thomas Harris initially refused to write another story, De Laurentiis threatened to move forward with different writers. This ultimatum led Harris to craft both the novel and screenplay for Peter Webber's 2007 film Hannibal Rising.
Serving Up a Dish Best Not Served At All
The film fundamentally breaks what makes Hannibal Lecter such a compelling character. Instead of the sophisticated, intellectual monster we've come to know, we get a revenge story that transforms him into more of an anti-hero. This origin tale attempts to explain Lecter's cannibalistic tendencies through trauma and nurture rather than nature, which contradicts the essential mystery of his evil. Additionally, the film mishandles the iconic mask by trying to turn what was originally a tool used by law enforcement to control a dangerous killer into a dramatic prop meant to give young Lecter a superhero-like mystique.
A Feast of Discussion Points
- Director Peter Webber's attempts at crafting an elegant period piece clash with the revenge thriller elements
- Gaspard Ulliel's performance, while good, fails to convince as a young version of either Brian Cox or Anthony Hopkins
- Gong Li's talents are wasted in an underdeveloped role as Lady Murasaki
- The beautiful cinematography by Ben Davis can't overcome the weak story
- Unexpected parallels to superhero origin stories, particularly sharing similarities with Magneto's backstory
Despite its impressive production values and occasional moments of visual brilliance, Hannibal Rising represents the low point of the Hannibal Lecter series. The film's attempt to humanize one of cinema's greatest villains ultimately diminishes what made the character so fascinating in the first place. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
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