Produced by: Universal Pictures
MPAA Rating: R (Stong gruesome violence, gore, language, and some nudity)
Reviewed by Chris
Quite possibly the most underrated film of all time, Hannibal received some nasty feedback from the media. People were forced to believe that Hannibal was an expensive slasher movie, when in truth, Hannibal is really masterful. It's beautifully directed by Ridley Scott, one of my all time favorite directors. This brilliantly photographed gem was created by the guy that made Alien and G.I. Jane.
Hannibal is gory, no joke. It earns its impressions as a slasher film, but it's really not that bad. It's not one of those crappy sequels thrown together in a month...this movie was actually done right. Few other sequels can say the same thing. The gore is added in there to give more meaning to the film. You'll never forget it. If you're squeamish, then don't watch this film. There's lots of ghastly sights...someone cutting their face off, someone getting hanged; intestines gaping out, and my personal favorite: Krendler eating his own brain.
Even minus Jodie Foster, this film still packs a lot of punch. Julianne Moore makes a great Clarice with her excellent acting skills. Also, there's plenty of other actors in this film that keep it interesting. Anthony Hopkins is still spooky, his performance haunting. Mason Verger, played by an unbilled Gary Oldman, steals the show as a man whose face is completely distorted after surviving one of Dr. Lecter's disturbing attacks. Barney is back and kinder than ever, playing a gentle hospital nurse. All these actors come together to bring the viewer one fantastic experience unlike any other.
I find this film to be not as good as Silence of the Lambs, but more fun to watch. The fish market shootout sequence is riveting. There's plenty of shocks and scares to last all the way to the beautifully directed ending. The ending is something you'll never forget.
The DVD is terrific. There's plenty of extras to watch--so many, in fact, that it's on a separate disc. If you've always wanted to know how they made Krendler look scalpless, then now you'll know how with the behind the scenes featurette. It's just too bad that this film is one of Hollywood's overlooked gems.
Score: A-