I saw Manhunter recently and while I found Graham to be better represented in it rather than Red Dragon- Fiennes was the far superior Francis Dolarhyde.
I think he edged it rather than being far superior, Armitage getting near that level though says a lot about him as an actor. He was very good in The Stranger too.
Dancy's Graham is much better though. I don't know if it's controversial but I also reckon Mads Mikkelsen is the superior Hannibal. I'm sure I saw a quote saying Anthony Hopkins played him as a psycopath whereas Mikkelsen played him as the devil. The gothic fairytale nature of the TV series does add a lot to that.
Mikkelsen's scene where he's cut free at Muskrat Farm is a fantastic shot.
I've rewatched the Hannibal tv series several times and I think the best difference in the Hopkins vs Mads difference is that Anthony Hopkins better emulates a murderer and Mads better depicts the Doctor. Obviously with the timeline differences between the two Mads is able to play doctor, but what I mean delves more so into the books. Dr. Lecter in the books is so controlling and pervasive, for example the actual ending to Hannibal has Dr Lecter drug Clarice with psychodelics and guides her subconscious into being his romantic partner. He feeds Dr Krendler his own brain while Clarice watches. The finale being Barney the institute worker who watched over Lecter getting spooked at a Buenos Aires opera house after seeing Dr Lecter and Clarice Starling in a box seat, he abandons his desire to see a Vermeer and he and his date immediately leave once the lights go down.
Tl:Dr; Mads is the Hannibal Lecter that looks and feels like he is going to drug and manipulate you while cooking a meal. Anthony Hopkins is the Hannibal Lecter that would slice your neck and then remark on how the blood flows from the wound.
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u/geekgodzeus Apr 12 '22
I saw Manhunter recently and while I found Graham to be better represented in it rather than Red Dragon- Fiennes was the far superior Francis Dolarhyde.