One of the most pathetic prequels ever filmed. Red Dragon (and the earlier superior version Manhunter), Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal, were all fine films, focussing on the serial killer Hannibal (the cannibal) Lector. A film showing how the man became a monster seemed inevitable sooner or later. Done well, it might even have been a good idea. Anthony Hopkins wisely does not appear in the film, (though his image is used in some publicity material). Brian Cox also does not appear. The role of Hannibal Byers (later Lector) falls to a complete unknown, Aaron Thomas who is incredibly wooden and two dimensional in the role.
The plot is nondescript – Hannibal is a survivor of the Nazi occupation of Lithuania. Among his childhood torments, he was forced to eat parts of his own sister. Post war, he has grown up and lives with his Aunt, who trains him in martial arts. Hannibal now starts to systematically pursue the war criminals that killed his family, and like Anakin Skywalker Senior, he becomes more ruthless and evil as he begins to enjoy his work too much. He moves from Mad Max vigilantism to full blown maniac without so much as a twitch, with the French police and Interpol on his trail throughout.
The film lacks any real suspense and the death scenes are not remotely well orchestrated. The film looks lame and tired, and should undoubtedly kill the franchise dead in its tracks.
Arthur Chappell
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