Hannibal

[sittything]

So has anyone else here watched Hannibal?  I'm nearing the end of season 1 right now.  Trying to get through seasons 1 and 2 before season 3 airs this summer.

 

Anyhow, when I was watching last night it occurred to me that in some ways it reminds me of Sherlock.  Like it's a dark, twisted cousin of Sherlock.  For one, the cinematography in it is so powerful and devastatingly beautiful (albeit in a much darker, gruesome way), but also... Will Graham's scenes where he closes his eyes and starts working the crime scene in his mind in reverse reminds me so much of Sherlock's mind palace.  Not that Will Graham is really deducing.  Will's thing is that he is very empathic, and so his strength (much to his emotional detriment) is identifying with and understanding serial killers/psychopaths (they love this word in Hannibal).  This is how he reconstructs the crime scenes in his mind, working them in reverse as if he were the killer.

 

 

[Van Buren Supernova]

I've been wanting to see it, but haven't find free time for that. It is still more to Crime genre and not so much to horror rite?

 

I like the movies, and I think the casting of the main lead for the TV series is good.

[sittything]

I don't find it all that horrific, or at least not as bad as I expected. A few crime scenes are a tad gruesome to look at, but I can't imagine it's worse than the movies (haven't seen em). My H got too squicked out by Hannibal preparing/eating human flesh, but it just looks like raw meat/organs so I haven't given it much thought. It doesn't really phase me. I mean, he's Hannibal.

 

Right now it's pretty much a crime procedural, more than anything.

[Van Buren Supernova]

Yup. He has to prepare some recipes once in a while.

 

Like for many other TV series, it's on my queue list, right after I stop rewatching Sherlock, which I really should.

[T.o.b.y]

I saw (rather: was shown) two (or was it three?) episodes and came away full of admiration for the actors and the director as well as the camera work, but no desire to see more of it. It left me feeling slightly sick, and not because of the cannibalistic bits. Just the sheer evil every which way was too much for me. I can find no delight in witnessing Hannibal get away with his sadistic pastimes again and again. I want him stopped for good, and since that isn't going to happen, because the show would be over, there isn't much in it for me.

[sittything]

I spent the latter half of season 1 yelling at the TV to take poor Will to the hospital... lol

 

I am finally caught up now, at the end of season 2, waiting for season 3 to air this summer and my takeaway is... Hannibal is the master manipulator.  There is not a single character he hasn't used and manipulated to his own ends...

[KirstyThinks]

Hey! Glad to hear you got caught up, have you seen season three this far? The season 2 finale is still by far my favourite episode :-) I get what you mean about the similarities with Sherlock though. They both have a dramatic visual style that you don't see very often, Hannibal's being a little more gruesome of course.

[sittything]

Been watching season 3 as it airs (made sure I was caught up before 3 aired!); although, due to a busy summer I'm two weeks behind now.  Need to watch the last two episodes before the upcoming final episode.  I can't believe this is it!  I've mostly lost hope of another network picking the show up.  :(

[Van Buren Supernova]

Finally managed to watch first season. Geez. Like what had been mentioned, the cinematography is great, however dark and gruesome. It made me chuckle a few times, as in chuckle in horror about how it managed to surprise me while I had prepared for almost eveything, even things I had correctly predicted didn't dissapoint in their revelations.

 

For season one, is it a very good stereotype of textbook INFJ (Will) and INTJ (Hannibal)?

 

Will need to catch season 2 and 3 before Sunday, because some technical issues back in my place, anyway it's captivating it's hard to 'put down'.

[Bluebell]

I am now through with all three seasons, and I have to say that season 2 is the heaviest to digest, according to all the horrible murders, especially as there are some that involve animals. I am very sensitive when it comes to hurting animals, I always have to tell myself: 'it's just a film, there's no real animals, they are all fake, they did not hurt them for real...' (the same I do everytime when I watch The Walking Dead...I love the show, but I can't get used to them eating any animal that comes their way, even though it's more a necissity in that show as it's the apocalypse, and not like for the 'gourmet cuisine' like in Hannibal)

At the same time the creativity of the murders is fascinating, and I wondered how more gruesome can it actually get...? Already wondered after season 2 if the season 3 then comes with Free Sick Bag in a Special Edition. :lol:

 

I love the fact that Will is taking in stray dogs, I always love the scenes that show him with the dogs.

The third season is very interesting, as Gillian Anderson plays a major part this time, and Richard Armitage comes in as Francis Dollarhyde. The latter I still remember a bit from the film Red Dragon where Ralph Fiennes plays the role.

 

And I think Mads Mikkelsen was a very good choice as Hannibal, it's pretty big footsteps he's stepping in after Anthony Hopkins, and he managed so well.

[sittything]

Mads was fantastic as Hannibal.  So fantastic.

[Van Buren Supernova]

I'm skipping through you post Bluebell because it's a bit spoilery for me. (No worries, I control myself). Will come back and comment on it.

 

I have powered through season 2. Sleep? Who needs that?

Season 3 will be done soon as long as there is no technical difficulty.

Then I'll devour and read everything about it. No pun intended. Not hungry at all these few days, wonder why.

 

This is so very captivating. I like the movie and worry the series don't live up to it. Nope, it's better.

[Bluebell]

It's addictive, isn't it? I really tried not to spoil any of the things happening, just the people who are in it, didn't know it was spoilery already, sorry :P

 

(I actually knew how the whole thing ended, way before I could watch the third season, as I sometimes zap throug fanvideos on youtube...never bothers me though, because those videos are most so out of the things actually happening or implying things ( like Hannigram XD for example, or that it's a comedy film :D some people have just hilarious ideas!), so it's just basically a picture / short scene spoiling me - but in the end, things are differently in the show anyway...but I know lots of people absolutely don't want to know anything before seeing the real deal, which I also understand. )

 

I myself sat through season 2 like you say - I watched until I really had to sleep and could not follow anymore. Season three I got slower through, and I had to rewatch it - I admit I understood some of it only after the audio commentaries. (I could have watched it in german, but didn't want to, I like the actors voices in original too much... ) they are explaining a lot there, I love the audio commentary function. :popcorn:

[Van Buren Supernova]

Powered up season 3, just in time before I prepare to fly back to work. It's a pleasure, not sure when I could do this kind of binging again.

 

Regarding spoiler, no worries, what you posted are perfectly fine, I am just the type who prefer not to know anything if I could help it, but that is up to my own self control here so no problem at all.

 

Alright. Spoiler for all seasons, please don't read ahead for anyone who hasn't watch it.

 

As mentioned, I like the movies up to Hannibal and Red Dragon I guess, couldn't recall which one is Hannibal Rising eventhough I watched it, I guess because of quality decline. So I was pleasantly surprised to see the connection with Mason and Red Dragon. After the initial disturbing gruesomeness, I could look past that and appreciate the stories and ...the gruesomeness that has adequate story value. Season 1 and 2 are awesome, same with Bluebell, the starting of season 3 is a bit slow, maybe because the formula changes but it picks up. Actually surprised that the series ends here. Apparently it's about rating, although it has very high rating in many reviews.

 

About Gillian, I'm happy to see her again because her original character is actually supposed to be much older, however, err.. seems like many of you are her fans, don't kill me, I was honestly very annoyed with how she talks in this series. Speak faster goddammit, and keep that smug face. Smug face I don't really mind, the way she talks make me want to throw something to the TV, I know it fits the character, but gahhhh. In season 3 it escalates and I remember looking and hearing in more horror that seeing mutilated corpses, when her character talks to the Asian girl, because they talk the same way, I want nothing more than clunking their heads together. The other scenes are when she talks to Will in their therapy sessions. Seriously, I'm not sure why ot bothers me that much.

 

I know we shouldn't, but I am rooting for Hannibal and think that he is brilliant, despite not agreeing to almost everything he does. Almost, because I can't deny that he is probably the best answer for people like Mason, although I like his movie's fate better.

Pigs

.

And I agree with both of you, Mads is perfect cast for Hannibal. I think if I met him in real life, I would keep my distance and be vegan for a while, that is compliment. Magnussen's brother. He he.

 

There are also a bit of real life reference in the movie, one of the most notable ones is the characters talking about German cannibal who ate each other and ate male body part. I just happen to read that news back then and you don't forget news like that.

[Van Buren Supernova]

Creator Fuller take on Hannibal Finale

 

Because there is a comparison to Sherlock!

Anyway, what I find funny is, they are comparing the finale with Sherlock-Moriarty rooftop. Which is which? I believe Will is Sherlock then, although I don't agree with the comparison. If Will is Sherlock, who is his spouse's name in the series again? Molly. Bahahahhaa.

[Bluebell]

Like you, I don't agree with the comparison either. Never crossed my mind for a second, when I saw the final scene.

 

Hehe, yes, it's Molly...I like her, and that she supports him despite it's so dangerous and all. (don't know if she likes the result in the end though... :P ) Like maybe Molly Hooper supported Sherlock during the Fall - maybe that was the comparison in a way? I like that the writers played with the fan(fiction)s with the variuos images of what could have happened, and that there's in a way also a Moriarty/Sherlock connection like Will/Hannibal. (like Sherlock and Moriarty (almost?) kissing on the roof, and hey - one millimeter ahead, and there people had the 'Hannigram' for real   ) But I think Sherlock's relationship with John is too strong to get him 'together' with Moriarty on the level that Will and Hannibal already have.

The people who ship the Sherlock/Moriarty couple might see it differently.... Well, maybe in season 4 then, now that John is married, hehe...and Moriarty sporting the wedding dress didn't look too bad. :lol:

[Van Buren Supernova]

Yes, it didn't cross my mind too until I read the article. 

But the one that reminds me a lot about Sherlock is Memory Palace. Hmm., I have to create my own one of these day. Fascinating.

What do you think about the closing scene with Bedelia?

 

Anyway, I thought Will/Hannibal and Sherlock/Moriarty have similarity as them being opposite yet so very similar that they understand each other very well, therefore the attraction, but not in sexual way. I think it's somewhat narcissistic, when you admire a person because you see yourself in them. It's very interesting when these characters are on different side but have one foot stepping into another.

I really like this quote My compassion for you is inconvenient for me.

 

And because, no.. NO...I thought he looks horrible in wedding dress.

[Bluebell]

Yes, I agree about the Memory Palace: it's very similar, only that it's called Mind Palace in Sherlock and he doesn't use a pendulum like Will does.

 

Oh the closing scene....I have been watching the episode with audio commentary, and they said that - like I did too somehow - lots of people think it's Bedelia serving her own leg for dinner. I actually didn't think it for sure, I just WONDERED what's gotten into her now??? Is it, or is it not...? I mean, living with Hannibal may someday make you a little nuts, I am sure, but would she really...?

But I remember Bryan Fuller said that it's not the case, but didn't want to tell what it is either, so...still a mystery - hopefully solved SOMEDAY in a 4th season, or a movie. I would actually like a full movie with that cast on the big screen.

(Hey, they did it with the X-files, so why not with Hannibal? :popcorn:)

 

....Maybe it's the other leg of ....er what's the name of Eddie Izzards character again? Are they still keeping him around? Was it in the fridge? Or it's not a leg at all? (Really need to watch again, haha....there's so much information to digest in that season, so good reasons to watch the show once more, haha...)

 

What do you think was going on there? It's interesting to hear other people's theories on that part....I guess that's why they did it in the end, so people keep discussing.

[Van Buren Supernova]

Oh the closing scene....I have been watching the episode with audio commentary, and they said that - like I did too somehow - lots of people think it's Bedelia serving her own leg for dinner. I actually didn't think it for sure, I just WONDERED what's gotten into her now??? Is it, or is it not...? I mean, living with Hannibal may someday make you a little nuts, I am sure, but would she really...?

But I remember Bryan Fuller said that it's not the case, but didn't want to tell what it is either, so...still a mystery - hopefully solved SOMEDAY in a 4th season, or a movie. I would actually like a full movie with that cast on the big screen.

(Hey, they did it with the X-files, so why not with Hannibal? :popcorn:)

 

....Maybe it's the other leg of ....er what's the name of Eddie Izzards character again? Are they still keeping him around? Was it in the fridge? Or it's not a leg at all? (Really need to watch again, haha....there's so much information to digest in that season, so good reasons to watch the show once more, haha...)

 

What do you think was going on there? It's interesting to hear other people's theories on that part....I guess that's why they did it in the end, so people keep discussing.

At first I thought she has gone a bit nuts too. However, there are couple of things that show it's not the case, imo. There are two other sets of dining utensils, she is expecting other people. She also tries to hide a fork. So I guess she is frightened with whoever she is expecting. Who would be more likely to hunt her and likes to sample her flesh? Hmm..hmm.. the other guest/host is somebody who might have changed side, someone who fought so hard not to become the other but maybe, maybe, he had lost the battle.

I am thinking she was cut and cooked by Hannibal and/or Will. They are the ones she is expecting.

 

Eddie Izzards character? You guest right, but it's not his leg, it's his treatment that she gets. Don't forget Hannibal likes his food fresh, and Eddie Izzard had been a while. Although the scene is very dark, I notice there is a stump, it's her leg.

 

But those are my opinions, if they make sense.

 

I believe they made season 3 without knowing it would be cancelled, so they were making it thinking there would be season 4, or at least, a possibility of season 4. With that, Hannibal should survive, so that little scene is opening up possibility for that. And do you notice how surreal the final music is? It is haunting, really caught my attention, and the lyric is something about I will survive...

 

I don't understand why the rating is low and why no network picks up this, it's much better than many other shows, maybe the genre is not popular and too dark. Yes, if they made it into movie, I would be there on the first day. Anyway, somehow I always watched Hannibal movies, Anthony Hopkin's. I'm not fan of gore or crime, but I guess intelligent psychopath is interesting, in fiction world of course.

[Arcadia]

...maybe the genre is not popular and too dark...

 

Ya THINK?!!?!?? (Gets the shivers just reading about it...)

:D

[Van Buren Supernova]

Come on...there are a lot of recipes. It probably qualifies for cooking show. XD :P

I kid. I kid. Because there is no vegetarian recipe.

I cringed at first, but after that was so immersed with the story I looked pass through scary stuffs, which I am grateful.

[Arcadia]

[Van Buren Supernova]

Came across this Mads Mikkelsen regarding possible Hannibal return.

I'm fine with 3 seasons, but will definitely watch if there are more.

 

For the time being, it should be fun watching him with that one, what's his face? Ah, Benedict Cumberbatch in Dr. Strange. Pairing with anyone else, I will root for Mads but of course I will root for Dr. this time.

(I strongly believe there is a magic in BC's name. I might like him 18,23% less if not for that name. )

[Bluebell]

Mads is in Dr.Strange? I have seen the trailer now even twice  in the cinema (before Hamlet  :D  and before Captain America yesterday....) but didn't see Mads - or just can't remember seeing him...?

Hm, maybe I should watch it once again, or maybe he is just not in the trailer...? I only remember Tilda Swinton as some kind of Yoda person.... B)

 

It would be awesome if there would be a Hannibal return!   I just wonder how they would catch up and continue then after the fall...I have not really an idea, but I am in for a suprise. :popcorn:

[Arcadia]

Mads in Dr Strange....