Hannibal

By Alexandra Wells

How character is set up

At the very beginning, the audience sees a disfigured character who is referred to as Mason Verger. The audience sees that he means business when it comes to discussing Hannibal Lecter (and Clarice starling) as he gets as much information as he can about them. This is significant as he was a victim of Hannibal Lecter's cannibalistic ways.

Near the end of the opening credits, Hannibal Lecter’s face is seen in the formation of pigeons. This suggests to the audience that he’s a mysterious character and that he can turn up anywhere at any time on screen. This can also show that he’s one of the main characters in the film.

How generic conventions are used-adhered to or subverted

The film ‘Hannibal’ isn’t a typical thriller as the antagonist, Hannibal Lecter, doesn’t get captured in the end by the protagonist, Clarice Starling. This creates suspense and tension for the audience as the audience sees that Hannibal is sly and mysterious. Near the end of the opening credits, the fact that we see his face in the formation of pigeons tells the audience this as the pigeons fly away, symbolising his escape to freedom near the end of the film.

How titles are usedIn Hannibal, the titles are written in red which could represent to the audience the blood and danger within the film. Also, the title ‘Hannibal’ is written in blood red. This indicates to the audience that Hannibal himself is a dangerous character within the film.

After this, there’s a few seconds for each cast members name to appear on the screen which is written in black and white. The audience can clearly see who is in the film and in what order are they most important.

Then after this, the names of the production, director, editor etc. appear onscreen.

Technical elements-camera workAt the beginning, there’s clearly a few shot/reverse shots which are close up. The fact that they’re close up shots intimidates the audience as it indicates that Mason Verger is an antagonist and shouldn’t be messed with.

The low angle shots of Mason Verger indicates to the audience that he’s an intimidating character, even though he’s a victim of Hannibal Lecter. This also tells the audience that he has power over everyone and that he’s to be feared.

This two shot of these two characters allows the audience to feel involved in the scene. This is so that the audience can understand the intimidation of Mason verger and how the other character in the scene is feeling.

Technical elements-editingAt the very beginning after the universal entertainment titles, the picture starts to the right of the screen which gradually enlarges to fill the whole screen. This engages the audience as they’re purposely pulled into the discussion of Hannibal Lecter.

The quick edits within the title sequence hints to the audience that there’s a lot to keep up with during the film as these shots here, all appear on-screen within the course of 3 seconds.

Technical elements-mise en sceneJust before the fade in of ‘Hannibal’, the audience sees Mason Verger intently staring at the mask that Hannibal Lecter wears when he was captured. To Mason Verger, this is a trophy for capturing Hannibal Lecter. Also, the fact that it’s wrapped in a pink box with a ribbon could also signify that it’s a gift to Mason Verger. This mask is important later on in the film as the audience sees that Hannibal Lecter is wearing it.

We see Mason Verger wearing a faded blue jumper at the beginning which indicates to the audience that although he’s a victim of Hannibal Lecter, he’s also a cold and grim character. The lighting highlights the majority of his face which signifies his importance within the film.

Technical elements-soundAt the very beginning, the screen is blank with a few titles, yet the audience hears non-diegetic speech. This speech becomes diegetic as the picture gradually enlarges to fill the screen. The audience are then engaged in the discussion of Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling.

Once this is finished, during the fade in of ‘Hannibal’, the audience begins to hear the non-diegetic over music sound of slow piano keys. This builds suspense and anticipation for the audience. Also, the audience can hear a faint diegetic sound of a bell toll when Hannibal Lecter’s face appears on the screen. This could suggest that near the end of the film, Clarice Starling’s time is up and doesn’t succeed in capturing Hannibal Lecter.