I knew the premise of the movie; & had it on my list for a really long time before I actually got round to watching it one rainy Saturday evening. I was watching it for the first time 21 years after its release; & I had already seen 3 of its sequels/prequels several years ago. The pint of iced-coffee increased my chances of noticing all the tiny signs which the director used for his story-telling. There was so much on the screen that needed full attention at all times. I haven't seen many of Jodie Foster's movies but I do rank her high for the efforts. The lisp in her voice did distract me, but not as much as the blue in her eyes. & Mr Hopkins in that mask... & that voice of cold death, made me pause & refill my iced-coffee twice. I knew from the start that this wasn't Hannibal's story, he was just a medium, a guide. But never-the-less his cannibalistic charm was all over this slow-paced tale.
There are many loose-ends in this movie, Plenty of unanswered scenes. & did the lambs ever stop screaming ?
Favourite scenes include: the first interview, Hannibal Lector's escape.
Alternate Ending: Another taste of Lector's artistry would have made a good ending.
First Viewed: Alone at Harborne in Parramatta.
Rating-3
