Hannibal Lecter

Once upon a time there was some discussion about Hannibal Lecter on our Facebook chat.  At the time I recall debating Mads Mikkelson's performance on NBCs Hannibal as being on par with Hopkins and potentially even better in moments.  I think my opinions were based on my most recent viewings of Hopkins in Hannibal.  I've just rewatched Silence of the Lambs and two scenes stand out as untouchable.

First- are introduction to Hannbal- standing with his perfect posture very prim and proper he is clearly a type of character we have never seen before.  When he asks Clarice what Miggs said to her and she replied in truth that Miggs said he could smell her cunt.  He paused before saying that he could not.  That pause was a thing of beauty.

Second- the scene again with Clarice in Memphis prior to his escape.  They're pressed for time and speaking much more rapidly now.  His intensity in their dialogue while forcing Clarice to both share and come up with the answers herself by only offering guidance on Buffalo Bill was amazingly good.

I love what Mads has done with the role and I look forward to binge-watching season 2 very soon, but he doesn't quite match Silence of the Lambs Hopkins.

Hannibal performance grades
Silence of the Lambs-Hopkins- A++
Hannibal-Hopkins A-
Hannibal Mads- A


p.s.- Jodie Foster is good too but Julianne Moore holds her own in Hannbal.