That brings me back to the mention of Batman, more specifically, Batman Begins. Hannibal Rising has many structural similarities. This Lecter may as well be Bruce Wayne, from the tragic youth, through to the training and traveling to other parts of the world, to his desire to seek revenge. Sure, the methods used in achieving that revenge are vastly different, but the similarites are there. Bruce and Hannibal are two sides of the same coin, characters existing in different universes with a thin layer of time fabric separating them.
It may sound like I don't like the movie, and that just is not true. I may be underwhelmed and disappointed with it as a tale of Lecter, but as a stylish revenge film with a creepy central character it works quite well. It is straightforward and does not have the subtlety or the texture of Batman Begins or Silence of the Lambs. Despite the lack of any real twists and turns, the methodology is engaging enough, as is Gaspard Ulliel as our dear Hannibal.
Gaspard Ulliel does not play very broad with the character, and does not possess the charisma that Anthony Hopkins did, yet he strikes a creepily stoic visage on the screen. He comes across as someone who is definitely hiding something, and you know he is doing some nasty stuff, yet cannot directly tie him to any of it. From the weird dimple in his smile to his sharp nose, to the way he carries himself, it is an interesting performance. Co-starring with Ulliel is Gong Li as the widow of his late uncle, and the biggest thing that is stuck in my head about her is how sexy and alluring she is.
Bottom line. As a Lecter movie, this fails, but as a revenge-filled bloody alternate take on the Batman mythos, it is a winner. Rather, it is an entertaining diversion that never bores. I had fun with the performances and matching it up with Batman.
Recommended.
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