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What Keeps Me Coming Back?

Unique/Engaging Elements:

Something that immediately drew attention to Hannibal and led to the accumulation of a fanbase is the camera work and cinematography involved in the production. An example would be the establishing shot, during which a murder is played out in reverse and the audience can see individual blood drops fading from the walls and travelling around the narrators’s body.

Writers portray this element very effectively through changes in camera angles as they linger in certain places and switch over to shots of characters and the setting. In addition to flowing camera angles that give the show a dreamy appearance, sometimes the writers cue to cut from the action and onto the closeup of a symbolic object which has some significance in the scene. This intrigues the spectators, and is unique because shows such as Dexter and Luther which are described as similar to Hannibal do not focus on intricate camera work. 

Furthermore, this element does as much to show development of characters as dialogue or plot. One can easily see Will Graham’s unease and self realization as cameras jump from his walking figure to a medium shot of ‘the monster’, a grey being that originally mimicked Hannibal but grew similar to Graham. In my opinion, in the short three seasons that Hannibal ran, this element was used to its full potential as it continued to add to the complexity and beauty of the show without confusing the viewers or taking away from the advancement of plot. To overuse it may do more harm than good, as a balance between reality and symbolism will be compromised.

Tension between certain characters was another element which drew me back to the show. Through dialogue and bodily expressions, one could easily sense tension between Will Graham and Hannibal, Jack Crawford and Graham, and Alana Bloom and Margot Verger. The distinguishing factor between tension in Hannibal and other shows is how that tension changes and develops as the relationships of the characters do. An example of this would be the tension between Alana and Hannibal, who started as old friends who obviously had feelings for the other. This becomes more complicated still after the funeral of Alana’s friend, when they became lovers for a few episodes. Soon after, Will Graham proves that Hannibal is a killer and their relationship falls apart as Alana protects his victims. Lecter promises that he will kill her if it is the last thing he does. The initial tension existent in two young adults in love changes to that of a murderer and his victim, as Alana struggles to evade him with the help of her spouse and child. This contributes greatly to the show, as it is one of the elements of the plot that the spectators follow with obsession and wish to see the resolution to. I don’t think that the writers have invested as much time into developing tension, because much of it is only ever hinted at if the individuals involved do not often interact. However, I think that if every instance was to be explored, the show would become repetitive.

Take-Away

What I learned by observing camera work in Hannibal is that by paying attention to transitions between scenes and the introduction of motifs, I can extend the significance of an episode and interest the audience. I could go from a long shot to a close up of another person or object, which we then allow me to more easily transition. I also learned that in order to keep tension existent and relevant, I could change it with the development of plot and relationships between characters. Some romantic tension could easily transform into tension of those with different levels of power and capability.

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Dialogue in Hannibal

Season 1 Episode 13 ‘Savoureux’

HANNIBAL LECTER: Perhaps you didn’t come here looking for a killer. Perhaps you came here to find yourself. You killed a man in this very room.

WILL GRAHAM: I stared at Hobbs and the space opposite me assumed the shape of a man filled with dark and swarming flies. And then I scattered them.

Analysis of dialogue

In this episode, Will Graham suffers from a brain infection and is slipping in and out of delusions. He has taken Hannibal, who he now suspects as the true culprit, to the scene of the crime. This piece of dialogue showcases the declination of Graham’s sanity, as he describes his hallucination. Hannibal’s manipulation is also obvious, since he is aware of the infection and continues to hint that Will is a killer. Hannibal truly encounters no remorse for harming Graham’s mind with the infection, which further proves his desire for fun at the expense of others. The viewer’s understanding of the severity of the situation is only heightened when Graham describes how he removed the metaphoric barrier between him and the perpetrator, Hobbs. This further foreshadows the ending of the show, that Graham will eventually become one with Hobbs, a murderer.

Why did I chose these lines?

I selected these lines firstly because they are a good description of the characters’ personalities, and the contrast in the mental state of ordered and chaotic. Second, these lines are a visual of Graham’s war with doubts of his friend’s true nature, since he actively searches for another answer than the obvious. Hannibal truly encounters no remorse for harming Graham’s mind with the infection, which further proves his desire for fun at the expense of others.

Take-Away

These lines teach me that I could indirectly reflect the characters state of mind through their speech, figuratively and literally. I can also use metaphors and symbols such as the shape of the man to foreshadow the future or to hint at a theme in speech, since there is not often much figurative language used in scripts outside dialogue.

Season 2 Episode 2 ‘Sakizuke’

HANNIBAL LECTER: What exactly am I guilty of?

BEDELIA DU MAURIER: Exactly, I cannot say. I’ve had to draw a conclusion based on what I glimpsed through the stitching of the person suit that you wear. And the conclusion that I’ve drawn is that you are dangerous.

Analysis of dialogue

In this scene, Hannibal converses with his psychiatrist because she has referred him to another professional and is ready to distance herself from him. Hannibal is defensive and curious, wondering how Bedelia views him after Graham’s accusations. Bedelia’s concern is directly addressed in this speech, as is her apprehension and fear. She avoids answering his question, instead discussing a vague idea that he is dangerous. The motif of the person suit is revisited, hinting that Hannibal is wearing a facade that hides his psychopathy. The reverse in power of patient/psychiatrist is introduced, since Lecter, the patient, is demanding answers from Bedelia and has the upper hand. The fact that Bedelia is abandoning her final patient demonstrates the extent of mistrust that characters now have in Hannibal, which is essentially the point of this episode.

Why did I chose these lines?

I chose these lines because in addition to being reflective of the nature of the episode/season of the show, they describe Bedelia’s doubts about Lecter and allow the spectators to assume that she fears him. I also like how calm the psychiatrist’s reaction to this revelation is, which is a state Hannibal usually employs.

Take-Away

From this piece of dialogue, I learned that I can create illusions of power dynamics which may or may not be influenced by the characters’ occupations. This will allow the script to be more mature and interesting to portray. Also, I understand that one can indirectly hint at fear through avoidance of a subject that might trigger a confrontation, and speaking in a more passive and politically correct manner.

Season 2 Episode 1 ‘Kaiseki’

HANNIBAL LECTER: Friendship can sometimes involve a breach of individual separateness.

WILL GRAHAM: The light from friendship won’t reach us for a million years. That’s how far away from friendship we are.

Analysis of dialogue

After causing Graham to be imprisoned in a facility for the criminally insane, Hannibal now showcases his desire to remain friends with him. Graham instead uses a hyperbole to counter Hannibal, contributing the the audience’s understanding of the end of the friendship between the duo. The contrast between the darkness of the episode and the mention of light is also significant, hinting at a blackened future for Lecter and Graham, as the light shan’t reach them for ‘a million years’.

Why did I chose these lines?

I chose these lines because they bring forth a change in the protagonist, Will Graham, as he finally becomes certain of the truth, and draws a line between himself from the individual who has destroyed his life. The calm but cutting words that Graham uses allow the viewer to see development in his personality, since he is no longer begging for answers, but practices Hannibal’s collected speech. He means for his comments to hurt the psychiatrist, which he would not have wanted before. Also, this is a pivotal moment in the show in terms of the relationship of the main characters.

Take-Away

From this exchange I gathered that sometimes it is more effective to have characters voice certain lines that may be implied. By having Graham definitively end his friendship with Lecter, the audience is left with little subtext to further analyze, which would be aligned with the writer’s vision. Lastly, I learned that word choice and mannerism of delivery is important when showing character development, by choosing words or tones that make them look more cold, kind, or overall different.

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Compelling Characters in Hannibal

Name: Will Graham

The name William has a German meaning of ‘Resolute Protector’. Graham does not appear to have any absolute definition. While the writers may have used this name on purpose, to hint at Will’s desire to protect those he loves, it appears to me that there is not a large amount of symbolism behind it. I find that Will Graham is not incredibly effective, due to the fact that is mundane, unlike many other names utilized in the series.

Character Sketch

Graham is a middle aged man of average stature and built, with very slight facial hair and a habit of twitching. He appears somewhat messy, and wears glasses which he fiddles with to avoid speaking to people. These characteristics mark Graham as a social outcast, as does his ‘unique cocktail’ of personality disorders which allow him an ability to empathize  with all individuals, including murderers. This ability of pure empathy and the negative effects on his mental wellbeing do not stop Graham from working with the FBI, as his primal drive is to save people deemed unrecoverable.

Why have I selected this character?

I chose Will Graham because initially, it was difficult for me to deduce whether he was faking his ability to empathize with individuals to hide the fact that he is a murderer. Later, as it becomes apparent that he is being honest, I became interested in how delving into the minds of psychopaths would affect Will, who can understand anyone.

Character Development

What I learned about character development after seeing the evolution of Will Graham is that not all characters maintain the same ideology and ethical code throughout the story. Taboos and doings that originally daunt a character may very well be something that they later embrace. I also learned that instability is an interesting narrative to develop, rather than a persona who is sure of who they are. I might later use this in my own script in order to have dynamic characters and unreliable narrators that intrigue the viewer.

Name : Hannibal Lecter

The name Hannibal is defined as a type of agricultural god, which could be reflective of the character’s narcissistic views. He regards himself as a godly figure, and other people as objects to amuse him. Hannibal could also be a humorous attempt to rhyme with ‘Cannibal’, and also showcases his European origins. I think that the name is very effective, because it carries poise. Also, after the initial success of Silence Of The Lambs, Hannibal Lecter has become a household name, which leaves no doubts in the viewer’s minds about his true persona.

Character Sketch

Hannibal Lecter is a very put-together man of good taste, wealth, a numerous talents. He often wears a three piece suit and styles his hair during his daily practice of being a psychiatrist, and has hinted at a past of being a surgeon as well as a musician, artist, philosopher, and chef. Hannibal speaks in a collected manner reflective of his personality, which has been described as a ‘person suit’. It is suspected that he suffers from a personality disorder which does not allow him to recognize the results of his behaviour as significant, and removes from his capabilities to sympathize. The only force that drives Lecter forward is his search for elegance and, bluntly put, fun.  He achieves this by manipulating those such as Graham as well as the inspectors.

Why have I selected this character?

I selected Hannibal Lecter because in addition to being fascinated by his impulsive behaviour, it is interesting to see him rationalize his terrible behaviour. Hannibal Lecter is an unpredictable force of nature, one which destroys and builds with little regard for the consequence of his actions. The chance to see him struggle with evading the law and finding a friend in Graham is something that I would like to further witness.

Character Development

What I learned about character development through Hannibal Lecter is that antagonists can be made so interesting and admirable that the audience is willing to root for them as opposed to the protagonist. I also discovered that in order to turn the viewers against such a character, he must do something truly unforgivable without feeling remorse for it. Secondly, I discovered that by introducing a relationship or friendship between two unlikely characters, such as that between Lecter and Graham, their outlandish personalities become more human and thus relatable to the audience. I can use this in my script in order to allow personalities to react in manner that they wouldn’t originally under the influence of love.

Name : Freddie Lounds

Freddie directly translates to ‘peaceful ruler’ which in itself is very ironic as the sole purpose of the character is to cause trouble for the protagonist. It does not appear that the name is extremely meaningful. It may be significant that the original ‘Freddy’ was a male investigator in the script, and that was later changed. This could showcase that Freddie Lounds is defying gender roles in her role as a female journalist struggling within a brutal industry. I find the name effective because it is conspicuous, and highlights that trait in her personality.

Character Sketch

Lounds is a short woman with voluminous flame coloured hair. Her facial features, including icy blue eyes and red lips, are striking and allow her to stand out within a crowd. Lounds maximizes this advantage by wearing bright red clothing, though her makeup is minimum. This may symbolize her desire to find the bare truth, that happens to be her primary drive as well as ambition to find an audience for her blog. She has no respect for boundaries, and will search for a story no matter the price using manipulation and bribery. Despite close brushes with the law as well as demise, she does not abandon her profession and appears very dedicated to publishing a good story.

Why have I selected this character?

I have picked Freddie Lounds because she is difficult to understand, as no explanations of her motivation, life story, or personal relationships are known. I find her commitment to journalism to be admirable, and continue to look for a line that she is not willing to cross in order to succeed in her writing.

Character Development

What I learned about character development after the introduction of Freddie Lounds is that a fantastic character does not always have to be likable. Freddie was often working to denounce Graham, became a nuance to the FBI, and often acted out of spite and ambition. Yet, she remains a fan favourite to the day. From this knowledge, I could develop a strong character who may not always be loved by others or the audience, but moves the plot and adds to the complexity of the show.