Movies just watched - Theatre V1

[Gentian]

A few minutes ago, we finished The Silence of the Lambs. It's been years since I saw the movie, though I'm a great fan of the book. I'm sorry to say, it hasn't aged as well as I thought it would. It's still a very good movie; the story, music, characters, and directing are all excellent, but surprisingly, I find the acting to be somewhat cheesy now.

I'm thinking in particular of 2 scenes, the latter of which was one of my favorites: firstly, when Clarice was called back to Dr. Lecter's cell after Miggs threw his semen at her, and secondly, when she went to try and convince Dr. Lecter to tell her Buffalo Bill's name, shortly before he escaped. The first was ruined by Sir Hopkins, as despite him owning the role in every other way, his reaction to the thrown jism seemed needy and unrefined, and therefore extremely out of character. The second was due to Ms. Foster's delivery. For the most part, she made a laudable portrayal of Clarice Starling, despite being, imho never a good fit for the role, however, at several points in this scene, she seemed like the actress reciting lines which she was, instead of the traumatized, yet brilliant and very strong young woman she was pretending to be.

Yes, it's nitpicking, but it bothered me. Still this is an A+ movie! If you haven't yet, read the book. Thomas Harris is a god of prose, and obviously quite intelligent. Clarice, Hannibal, and several of the minor characters were given far more depth than a movie could possibly show, and if you're the kind of person who enjoys stories like The Silence of the Lambs in the first place, the book will be that cranked up to eleven.

Maybe, due to differences between non-verbal human and pony communications I missed the things which bothered him, but I thought it was a great movie! It's also the first one I've seen here which wasn't all about action and illusion, and the change was refreshing. Not only that, but now I know where that song Gentian listens too comes from. I thought he was saying goodbye to me the first time I heard him sing it.

Red Dragon (the book, not the crappy 2002 movie) and its first screen adaptation Manhunter will always be the best Lecter related works in my opinion. Manhunter and by extension the book fucking changed my life.

The entire Lecter series was fantastic. Red Dragon is one of my favorites as well, though I'd only consider it a Lecter work on a technicality; Dolarhyde was an amazing character, and stole the show. His becoming was, imho one of the more intriguing motivations seen in fiction, and simultaneously one of the most interesting character development arcs, too.

"...before Me you rightly tremble. Fear is not what you owe Me, Lounds, you and the other pismires. You owe Me awe.”

Mmmmm.

Hannibal, the book, not the series, which I unfortunately have been unable to watch, is my personal favorite of the set. Primarily because it gives even more depth to Dr. Lecter, managing to lend him an almost supernatural air. The entire Verger clan was a delicious clusterfuck, their plans for revenge, and the iconic dinner between Hannibal, Clarice and Krendler were a fine take on the horror of consumption. And unlike that of the horrid movie, the ending was beautiful.

What can you say? Thomas Harris really is that good, despite falling face-first into some truly terrible cliches. Especially in Hannibal Rising. Oh well, nobody's perfect. It's really too bad that the only book to get a decent adaptation was The Silence of the Lambs.