WM814

2018

Movies and TV

Hannibal Lecter is a fictional character primarily known from the horror film The Silence of the Lambs and its associated franchise. He is portrayed as a brilliant psychiatrist and art enthusiast with refined tastes. However, beneath the surface lies a deeply disturbed and cannibalistic serial killer.

Lecter first gained widespread recognition in the film adaptation of Thomas Harris's novel, *Manhunter* titled *Red Dragon* where he is portrayed by Brian Cox, before Anthony Hopkins' iconic portrayal in *The Silence of the Lambs*. This performance earned Hopkins an Academy Award for Best Actor, despite limited screen time, solidifying Lecter as a major figure in popular culture.

The character's intelligence and manipulative nature are consistently emphasized. He is often depicted as aiding law enforcement in catching other killers, while simultaneously toying with them and indulging in his own macabre desires. His chilling calmness and intellectual superiority contribute to his horrifying presence.