BY YUUTA FUJII

It has been 10 years since "The Silence of the Lambs" succeeded. "Hannibal", the follow-up film, hasa been released and joined the ranks of the psychological horror classics. That is why audiences are fascinated. "Hannibal" is related to "The Silence of the Lambs," so those who haven't watched it yet should watch it in order to understand "Hannibal" deeper.

This year "Hannibal" was released and Lecter's gentlemanly and atrocious murders started. Compared with the previous film, Lecter seems to be the central character of "Hannibal." He took an important post of as librarian at the historic Capponi Palace in Florence and called himself Dr. Fill and enjoyed his freedom. But when someone found out who he really was, Lecter murdered him. At that time, a letter from Lecter reached Clarice. "Tell me if you still hear the screams of the lambs."

After that letter, Clarice started to search for Lecter. She catches up with him and handcuffs his left hand, but he cut his hand off with a carving knife and escaped. In the last scene, Lecter brought his own lunch box with him on a plane. Inside was a human brain. A child sitting near him who didn't realize what it was said that it looked good. Lecter said, "It is I who bring things that can't be called a meal. It is important to try to eat new things." His last words have too much abnormality and I could feel his essence approached to.

I explained the story simply on purpose. It is because this is a must-see film. There may be some things inconsistent about Lecter's gentlemanliness and atrociousness, but it is a real pleasure to watch him shake off those who want to kill him and punish mercilessly those who are blinded by selfish desires. Especially, the way in which that Lecter killed Pattui is unique, so I admired his creativity and I even felt it was interesting. Lecter's abnormal ways of killing stirs up interest unlike any other movie.

The British actor, Sir Anthony Hopkins, repeats his role of Lecter from the previous film. His performances are great. It was a pleasure to be able to watch the wonderful performance of Hopkins. He took a year-long vacation before starting this work, and he prepared well. He seems to play Lecter more mysteriously than before because he looked forward to playing Lecter again.

The actress Julianne Moore plays Clarice. At first Jody Foster was offered the role, but Jody read the screenplay but thought that this time the role of Clarice didn't suit her and she disliked this scenario, so she turned it down. Consequently, Moore was given the part.

Of course, I think some people feel "Hannibal" is not interesting. They may think it is merely a grotesque film and it is unemotional horror. Surely I sometimes feel bad at the succession of grotesque scenes, but personally I feel the psychological exchange between Clarice and Lecter is important and interesting. This goes the same for "The Silence of the Lambs." Both films put a emphasis on it, so it is surely the main theme. Those who dislike horror films should try to be open-minded. Try not to be influenced by only the grotesque scenes. If you turn your attention to the psychological exchange of a variety of the characters, you should find the attraction.

This year, Ridoree Scott, who was awarded the Academy Award for best director for "Gladiator" ('00) picked up the megaphone to direct "Hannibal." He also directed "Alien," the 70s' atypical SF work. He is from Britain and graduated from an art college and had been active in directing television commercials for a long time. There he established his reputation for wonderfully beautiful visuals. You can see his cool and beautiful and picturesque scenes in "Hannibal."

Personally, I think "Hannibal" has a lot of good points. It is a very pleasant film no matter how you look at it―clear pictures, beautiful music and a wonderful cast. At a glance, you find yourself attracted and ready to step into the unknown territory of Lecter's psychologically twisted world.