Textual Analysis of a title sequence: Hannibal

Hannibal is a visually enticing TV thriller that aired between 2013 and 2015 based on the classic novel ‘Red Dragon’ by Thomas Harris, following the events in the life of the notorious serial killing cannibal, Hannibal Lector, and tortured detective, Will Graham. The opening sequence reflects the overall abstract, vivid and artistic sequences that await in the show itself and give you a taste of what’s to come.

The title sequence itself takes place on a white background and shows flows of what is presumably blood or perhaps red wine across the shot, forming faces and resting in the shape of the lead characters face, whilst the names of the lead actors in the show and the name of the person adapting the book for TV, appearing beside the red liquid in the same crimson colour, all the while a disturbingly eerie theme is played over the sequence.

The red liquid on the white background is extremely effective as it represents the purity of the majority of characters, overthrown by the translucent flow of ruby red that could represent the evil lurking among them. In my opinion, the liquid could be red wine, made to look like blood, or vice versa, which is linked to the thriller/horror genre. Also, the theme of red wine is apparent throughout the series, as it keeps viewers guessing whether Hannibal Lector is truly drinking red wine or if he is in fact drinking human blood.

The sound in the sequence is minimal yet effective for the thriller genre. The sound effects in the background are heard when the titles appear on the screen in the same flowing action as the red liquid movement, starting off quiet, becoming louder, then fading back out as the titles themselves disappear. The sound itself is a sharp uncomfortable sound, mimicking the disturbing the themes of the programme ahead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz3qclEk5kI