Hannibal film analysis

1. Hannibal
By Alexandra Wells

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. How titles are used
In 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.

5. Technical elements-camera work
At 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.

6. Technical elements-editing
At 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.

7. Technical elements-mise en scene
Just 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.

8. Technical elements-sound
At 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.