Hannibal Lecter is a fictional character based on the novels of Thomas Harris.
Dr. Hannibal Lector is first introduced in the thriller 1981 novel Red Dragon as a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic killer. In the novel he is shown to consult FBI detective Will Graham, the very man who caught and imprisoned him for his crimes, on a series of crimes committed by the serial killer ” The Tooth Fairy”.
In the next novel, Silence of the Lambs, Lector is once again called up to use his expertise on the mind of killers when he is introduced to FBI agent in training, Clarice Starling. As they begin their hunt for serial killer “Buffalo Bill”, Lector becomes intrigued by Starling and forms an odd friendship with her. As the young agent hunts for the killer, Lector break free from prison by gruesomely attacking and biting anyone in his way.
In the net novel, Hannibal, the escaped Lector is shown to be living in Italy where he works as a museum curator. At the same time, one of Lector’s past surviving victims learns of his escape and offers a wealthy bounty for his capture say that he may kill him. During this time Starling is shown to be tracking Lector but eventually gets caught in a trap where Hannibal himself must save her.
In the the fourth novel, we are shown of Hannibal’s life in his early stages as a wealthy boy turned orphan during World War 2. The film sees Hannibal deal with Nazis, the death of his sister, his move to Japan, his entrance into medical school, and the beginning stages of his cannibalistic career.
All the novels Lector has appeared in have been turned into films, with the first three being highly successful. This was largely due to the Academy Award winning performance of Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs. Other actors that have portrayed Lector include Brian Cox (Manhunter), Gaspard Ulliel (Hannibal Rising) and Mads Mikkelsen (TV series Hannibal).
Hannibal Lector is often said to be one of the most iconic and influential horror characters of all time. He was also voted by Entertainment Weekly as the #1 villain of all time.
Appearances of Hannibal Lector
Manhunter (Film)
Red Dragon (Novel & film)
Silence of the Lambs (Novel & film)
Hannibal (Novel & film)
Hannibal Rising (Novel & film)
Hannibal ( TV series)
Photos
Via popmatters.com
Videos
Featured image via comicvine.com