Hannibal - A Character Analysis

So hyped to finally put out a video talking about this show. Go watch it. It's great.
Also, Discord: / discord

[@jacobdarling1524]

No offense to Anthony Hopkins but for me, Madds' portrayal is the definitive depiction of Hannibal. He has all the qualities that the books described him as having. He's exactly the way that Thomas Harris imagined him as being in his prime. A highly intelligent and sophisticated apex predator.

[@LovelessOmbra]

Big agree, and I love Anthony Hopkins

[@Daud-ix4tm]

@@LovelessOmbra Hopkins has the retired Killer going for him really

[@luccaluciuslukjanenko203]

I love Hopkins. The way I see it, he may very well be the most talented, fine actor alive. That's no light statement. Still, what Madds did with this role is out of the regular scope. He is simply flawless. Both certainly delivered performances to stand the test of time, but Madds takes the cake any day of the week. I take he is, also, one of the finest actors to emerge in recent years (and honestly, I have no problem naming him one of the best in the century, for now) but the brilliancy delivered while living Dr. Lecter's life is beyond my ability do explain. Such a special thing, to find such actor, in such role.

[@stuartday1330]

Actually neither get the book version right at all. He looks more like Richard Dreyfuss in the description even having a beard.

[@bnye2323]

Both are amazing. Hopkins got something like 17 minutes of screen time though. Mads got three seasons.

[@sea_buggy]

you forgot to mention how Mads Mikkelsen is gorgeous and his pretty privilege can win over anyone (me)

[@LovelessOmbra]

SAME

[@Ozloz]

That’s the actual reason Will did all those things

[@r.g6170]

People always focused on how Hannibal was the one who was to be understood. Will was the only one who could understand Hannibal because he had empathy for him. But the even bigger point is Hannibal managed to stablize Will. Jack tried Alana tried but they couldnt. It's fair to say the only person who could understand Will Graham, was Hannibal. This therefore would mean that Hannibal felt empathy towards Will, something he was incapable towards the rest of the universe. A point well missed. They both exchanged their most prominant characteristics. Stability and Empathy. They both started mirroring each other.

[@l.b9108]

this is so well said

[@cagrikahveci1100]

because Hannibal saw the hunter side of Will :) Will was much more stabile mindset after accepting Hannibal as a Friend or Lover.Actually Will somehow approach inner himself with embracing Hannibal.

[@DavidaVeddar]

Excellent! This is something that everyone needs to read when they finish the series. Really excellent insight!

[@daniellewillis2767]

Well bloody said!

[@kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126]

Exactly! This is why when Hannibal asked Will: “Did you think you could change me the way I changed you?” Will responds “I already did” 😱 Honestly, this is hands down the best piece of cinema of any kind that I have ever seen!! Cheers

[@Sophie-iq2tw]

"No one can be fully aware of another human being unless we love them. By that love, we see potential in our beloved. Through that love, we allow our beloved to see their potential."

[@kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126]

Best damn show ever written!!! Find me another show with quotes like that! Won’t happen because it doesn’t exist!! ❤

[@sikirsk]

in the og script, hannibal said "i love you, will" after saying this :3

[@4kach24]

​@@sikirskDayum!!! Why didn't they make that happen >:3

[@VVooshbait]

​@@4kach24because they knew that the retard3d fanbase would focus even more on the fact they are gay and not their writing

[@HeliosAI56]

"He's not a classic psychopath or a classic serial killer. I think he's as close to Satan as possible: the fallen angel. He sees the beauty in death. And every day is a new day, full of opportunity."

[@vestaris4601]

Satan is the evilness himself. There are much mire evil characters than Hannibal in fiction.

[@mistwitch8795]

​@@vestaris4601like who?

[@vestaris4601]

@@mistwitch8795 for example Ramsay Bolton

[@cadeharmon5201]

The judge from blood meridian and Griffith from Berserk are good examples

[@manapaws5507]

@@vestaris4601 You are missing the point of the original post. Hannibal from the TV show is a highly intelligent serial killer engaged with art and philosophy who sees death's beauty. Ramsay Bolton is more of a barbarian and primitive beast who acts purely on primal instincts. There aren't many examples of an intellectual who descends into the madness comparable to Hannibal, who engages in extreme acts of violence yet maintains a distance from vulgarity and tasteless acts of violence. Ted Bundy, Dahmer, Gacy, along with fictional examples such as Bolton and the Judge are commoners without sophistication. Having said that, I don't respect Hannibal, and he is clearly mentally ill from watching his sister be eaten. Best case scenario is Hannibal is locked into a hospital or is executed.

[@dvdscds9539]

Thinking of Hannibal as a devil that’s mischievous and a trickster, it becomes easier to see why Hannibal almost sees Will as a God. A God he feels he can easily take down of course. Will has a moral code that Hannibal constantly scoffs at and the more he assumed Hannibal’s point of view, the more ‘wrathful’ he becomes. His morality becomes more and more contradictory as the series continues which is heavily in line with what Hannibal envisions God would be like. And when Will has those moments of lucidity, he surprises Hannibal in ways the man hadn’t considered. That combined with the fact that Hannibal is insanely lonely, and his placement of Will on an easily dismantled pedestal makes sense.

[@HeliosAI56]

is so, dear, best regards

[@kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126]

Ah, maybe?? Hannibal “With all my knowledge and instruction I could never entirely predict you. I can feed the caterpillar, I can whisper through chrysalis, but…. what hatches, follows its own nature and its beyond me.” So maybe you are half right? Maybe that is what Hannibal thought he was doing or intended to do but Will being Will actually surprised Hannibal and Hannibal being Hannibal, he had to follow that all the way to the end, even if it meant it was his end he was hurtling towards.

[@Snoozelightable]

To humanize doesn’t mean to create a forgivable character, rather to create an understandable character with fitting motivations. Hannibal is a human being, not a demon, he desires human things, but gets them in psychotic ways.

[@riptidemonzarc3103]

The appeal of a self-confident narcissist is indescribable for someone with an overabundance of self-conscious empathy, and the depth of pain such a toxic relationship can bring is nearly endless. This show portrays such a downward spiral beautifully.

[@caralho5237]

they say opposites attract

[@8ballstreet]

I'm in such a friendship now. It's incredible. I've never tried anything like it before.

[@SamuelBlack84]

Empathy is the hook that a narcissistic fisherman uses to catch the nieve Don't feed the hunter

[@FranzLiszt-n3k]

​@@SamuelBlack84 When you tailor your default stance towards people as a fail safe against the malicious actions of the few, everyone loses. Take each person as they come. Decide based on evidence.

[@SamuelBlack84]

@FranzLiszt-n3k Believe me, that's exactly what I do And every single time, they give me a superior attitude and act as though I'm beneath me I'm sick and tired of the human race I prefer to keep everyone at arms length

[@VampireLestatTheBratPrince]

I’ve always said that this show is more terrifying on a psychological level than anything you see on screen. And you see some stuff. This was my gateway into horror and I still remember watching the first five episodes in a row before realising the time and going straight to bed. I was just lying there trying to process everything I’d just watched and the fact that I enjoyed it. This is still hands down one of my favourite series and I always find myself coming back to it.

[@cedarmoss7173]

I really appreciate how the show explains why so many moral foundations aren’t nearly as sturdy as people tend to think. Hannibal is truly monstrous but not just because he’s a killer but because he tears Will mentally and emotionally apart to put him back together to suit himself. But he is only able to do this because Will has so little sense of self and his morality is so black and white. Hannibal looks like a genius because he is in control of everything and reshapes the world around himself instead of learning to function with the world. He thinks he knows himself because he forces the environments he’s in to bend. And because his gospel proves true (by his design) everyone falls for his tricks. People like Jack, who know themselves and foster lives outside of themselves are safe from manipulation like Hannibal’s.

[@evapadilla8342]

I wouldn't say Jack was safe from Hannibal's manipulations, just that he wouldn't be as likely as someone like Will to be turned into an unrepentant murderer.

[@EmeraldRoseDragon]

Jack wasn't immune to Hannibal either, he bought into Hannibal’s manipulations to completely that he shot Will to protect Hannibal and intercepted Matthew Brown, he was constantly saying that Hannibal wasn't the Chesapeake Ripper and only started to look deeper when Miriam Lass was found alive.

[@darlalathan6143]

That has some "Villain Sue" vibes, but then Hannibal is a narcissist supervillain.

[@floristfindspeace]

i don’t believe hannibal took will apart purely for his own amusement. hannibal saw a likeness in will -as he does anyone he encourages to just up and murder lmao- and saw how tired will was of pretending to be okay. he did it for will because he ended up falling in love with him, but yes, it was for his entertainment as well.

[@SamuelBlack84]

Many like to consider themselves good and decent people yet make no illusion of how much suffering they would impose on someone that they feel deserves it and ergo don't deserve empathy But you can't be a moral human being while harbouring secret desires of antagonism and violence and disguise it in the feeble veil of justice How can you judge evil so harshly when you have no experience of it? Morality is a panic room for the emotionally fragile Something to hide inside because you can't face your true self There's no shame in indulging in your own secret heart but at least be honest about it

[@nikulasfririk5434]

"It’s one thing to witness evil but to understand evil requires one to gaze into the abyss, an it’s within that abyss that so apathetically gazes right back that one might find their own potential for evil" What a line!

[@LilAligator]

“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.” Nietzsche

[@kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126]

@@LilAligator Well of course it’s Nietzsche, Hannibal obviously agrees with some of his points. But certainly not all of them though, as Hannibal sees god as the true monster going so far as to pretend to be humble stating “ my deeds pale in comparison”. But of course, ever the trickster, that’s not what he really thinks. He thinks each one of his “works” let’s call them proves that he can take god’s intended horrors and transform them into something beautiful, proving to himself that it is he that is more powerful and therefore better. Personally I think Hannibal has the wrong end of the stick on this idea, as they say, but I understand his point. “Yesterday god dropped the ceiling of one of his churches on 85 grandmothers praying there, killing them all. If he’s up there, he just loves it” 🤔

[@SamuelBlack84]

You can't understand something until you see why it exists To understand evil means to empathise with evil people which awakens your own potential for evil But is evil the same as immorality or obscenity? Very few evil people are actually evil and are thr result of behaviour patterns linked to childhood and emotional and psychological input over many years and behavourism denies such black and white concepts of good and evil

[@owlofminerva2564]

And there are those most wonderful moments (perhaps not mentioned?) that Hannibal does something simply because "I was curious to find out what would happen". Some of his horrors are not immoral but amoral; possibly because he's a psychiatrist, he's happy to think of it as an experiment; though he's not really all that bothered in a scientific sense. He's not going to publish a paper on it for peer review, put it that way.... I must say I've never seen or listened to a more intelligently written television programme ever (er, I'm 59). And the design matched it. Mads' acting didn't let it down, because he knew he didn't have to do much 'acting' otherwise it would have spoiled it all, made it too hokum and silly. Hannibal shrugs, and Mads shrugs. A very terrific production and anyone connected to it should be quietly proud.

[@VvendigO.]

I totally agree, I'm still wondering how a masterpiece like this could happen, because I always feel that it's way too brilliant to be true...

[@puspita282]

You are so right. There should be another season.

[@rogue8903]

I like the way he tests other people to reveal whether they are aware of him or not. When he plans something, everything is so calculated and clean no one will even suspect that he's the one who did it. If ever they do, he can cover it up easily.

[@kaiq9q8qu1]

I loved that too! It's like he always has an excuse for everything....

[@Koa5950]

This show shattered my grandma's homophobia. Had her yelling at the screen for Will and Hannibal to kiss lol

[@LovelessOmbra]

AMAZING

[@jackbotman]

And they never did :

[@BigBroiswatchingu]

unfortunately we didn't get the kiss Scene😔

[@josmamatotaldrama]

lol my mom was too

[@roce8485]

OMG

[@gbengaadeogun5573]

Hannibal is the perfect human apex predator: intelligent, socially adept, clarity of mind, singlarity of purpose and the ability to see you and understand you

[@novarainnoval]

After many years I finally watched Hannibal while laid up in bed sick with covid. A literal fevered dream. I even remembered googling is cannibalism wrong? 😅 This show doesn't need a fourth season. Cause it's already a masterpiece.

[@VulcanM61]

If you have eaten pork then you have tasted cannibalism 😬 i like pork

[@damien678]

Lemme know if you find an answer 😂

[@MeLoveCoconuts]

spam is the closest thing to the texture and taste of human flesh and is actually used to ween cannibals off of human flesh. so if you've ever had spam, then you know

[@MeLoveCoconuts]

also, same, i thought that it was wrong based on murder and had to look up if it was still "bad" if no one was murdered

[@SamuelBlack84]

It isn't technically illegal here in the UK It's just a piece of flesh that would otherwise be wasted

[@natwhocares]

Talking about Will Graham, in my opinion, many people underestimate just what easy a target he was for Hannibal. Everyone says that Hannibal pushed everyone out of his life and I strongly disagree. There wasn't anyone to truly get rid of. Nobody, but his dogs care about Will as for a human being that he is. In everyone's eyes he is just an addition to his mental abilities. As Jack once told him, shake it off and work. And Will is a type of a person that actually needs people and needs to feel cared for, but would never show or ask. If only he met someone like Molly circa s1, then, frankly, Hannibal would be quite powerless. Alas, when it happened, it was much too late. After everything, Will learned not to believe anyone's promises of loyalty and protection and made sure to protect his loved without empty promises. That's why he left everything behind. S3 Will is not that different from S1, in all honesty. He just lost his faith in an antagonising manner and chose to lose his soul in order to save more. He gave himself in his entirety away to the monster just as martyrs and sacrifices are akin to brides of the deities. There are multiple tragedies in the show. There's noone entirely morally in the right. That's the brilliance of the show for me, being a gothic romance at it's core, it manages to rise a plethora of questions, from petty and mundane issues to larger than life existential conundrums. What is evil? At what level of malicious intent it begins? At what scale it stops being evil? What should be punished? And how? What an amazing work. And I'm really glad that I refrained from watching it as a teen when it first came out, it would have been too easy to be charmed by the looks and the charm back then and look over the human tragedies underneath the field kabuki

[@natwhocares]

Also a tidbit on Hannibal, discussing him as a Lucifer in flesh, some kind of almost supernatural and inevitable force, we often forget that actually he's a traumatized little boy. Broken and stunted in his emotional development, forever remaining a proverbial kid with a magnifying glass, throwing the toys around and unable to separate affection and aggression. He is someone you don't want to like or dislike you. You want him to be unaware of your existence, just like you don't want to mingle with evil spirits in any capacity as you'll have to pay a great price anyway. He makes me think of a poem "demon" by Mikhail Lermontov and Mikhail Vrubel's painting of the same title. They say that poem was the undoing for the painter's psyche. Something about all that is just too fitting PS: Hannibal's trauma would also explain his egocentric worldview, he might not even operate the concept of people being equal or below him, it's all situational. Hence his impulsive behaviour when there's no plans for someone. Also, I'd say he and Will both show signs of abandonment issues, while coping in different ways, this makes a solid base for a deep understanding, as well as an unhealthy attachment

[@r.g6170]

Disagree. Will is not someone who needs people. He has a pack of dogs because he does not like associating with people. It isnt a substitute for people. He knows the difference between the two. What Will needed was to find stability in himself.

[@lizanna6390]

He took away anyone who had the potential to connect with him, Alana, Abigail, Margots child. Will needed human connection and Hannibal used that to his advantage. If Jack's treatment wasn't so effective in pushing Will to breaking point he'd have found a way to take that away too.

[@natwhocares]

@@lizanna6390 Alana only acted nice because she considered herself a good person, it was not about him, it was largely about her self-image. Ultimately it was too much work she wasn't willing to do. Abigail didn't like him one bit, he was very delusional about her. Margot was aiming to use him against Mason, she chose him because she saw him as a capable protector. I think that if the child was born and everything went according to her plan, eventually she'd minimize or sever that connection. He is painfully alone in the world because it takes work to get close to him and maintain the connection. Because he is afraid to let people in the first place. Then Hannibal gives him legit reasons to be scared.

[@EmeraldRoseDragon]

​@lizanna6390 Will made it very clear in the first episode that he didn’t like being around people, and in most cases, he was socializing because he had to, not because he wanted to.

[@shakenbake3249]

It still kills me that we never got a season 4 to wrap everything up and adapt Silence Of The Lambs. It crushes my soul everyday.

[@Senate300]

I know right. Studio politics fucked that up big time. And then you had that mediocre Clarice series that wasn't even allowed to say Hannibal's name.

[@goodguykonrad3701]

Hannibal, the character, presents Will and the audience with an alternative moral and philosophical perspective. The first aspect of this is that life and death are not the most important things on which to gauge morality. Lives are fleeting and those that live their lives poorly are hardly living. In Hannibal's view, beauty, art, and good character are the most important things; life and death can and should be used to create them. Music, food, and death are the main ways Hannibal seeks to create art, and Hannibal sees it as almost a moral obligation to transform things that are immoral in his world view into art to create meaning from them. We see him create music to transform his traumatic experiences into art, we see him cannibalise those he deems immoral to transform them into art as food and in the sensations of taste they create, and he kills those he dislikes in gruesome ways to transform them into something beautifully morbid and to critique who they were in life. It's implied in the show that the rolodex of business cards he keeps is of people he's met that he views as immoral, meaning they are rude or prioritising things in life that Hannibal views as in opposition to art. In Hannibal's world, he is ridding the world of evil and transforming it into good. Him killing and cannibalising could be likened to someone helping a murderer reform and become compassionate in conventional ethics. His carefully constructed environment and presentation is all in service of create as much art in every aspect of his life, and it could be likened to giving all your time and money to charity in conventional ethics. Hannibal's moral view is one that prioritises artistry over all else, whereas the Judeo-Christian God could be viewed as having a moral view that prioritises faith, or something, over all else. In this way, Hannibal views himself as a peer to God, seeing them both having the same perspective but with different priorities. Hannibal seems to acknowledge a belief in God, but does not seek approval or favour because what God wants is not what Hannibal wants. Ultimately, this god complex of Hannibal's causes him to feel incredibly isolated, which is why he takes such interest in Will, seeking to remould him into Hannibal's own image so that he has someone who understands him and agrees with him. The show is about Hannibal employing various manipulations and psychological tactics to get Will to listen, and then persuade him that Hannibal's morality is correct. The viewer is there, having Hannibal trying to persuade us as well.

[@kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126]

Best description I have heard! I completely agree with you!! Maybe that is why I watch this damn show over and over, I am trying to convince myself Hannibal is wrong 🤔🤷🏼‍♀️ Regardless, this is the best show I’ve ever seen! Cheers

[@lauracuomo7717]

Omg u r so right

[@gbrooks2382]

doctor lecter has me in a chokehold and i proudly state that. this is the best analysis I've seen too and it has me wanting to rewatch the show again

[@ratbrain6991]

(One mild spoiler for the Crawfords story up ahead beware!) The author of the books, has said that Hannibal is based on an inmate who he met (however there is no real proof of this inmate existing if I’m not mistaken) I am constantly in awe of how people portray him, Anthony Hopkins version is uppity, willing to be seen as obscure and loud, playing up the villain we know him to be but he is still able to read you in a matter of seconds, Hopkins never lets the viewer forget how much more he knows than we do, Hopkins version of Hannibal is almost fun compared to Mads, Hopkins is vile and ruthless and vicious but still compassionate and even sort of loving towards Sterling as he makes the inmate Miggs that throws his semen at Sterling uh.., self murder because he finds it “unspeakably ugly” (there’s also a deleted scene in the silence of the lambs where Hopkins is speaking about buffalo bills childhood drawings and he actually tears up with empathy for bill describing how dreadful and upsetting bills childhood likely was) Hopkins playing Hannibal is almost playful and teasing compared to Mads playing Hannibal. Mads on the other hand is so, smooth? He never raises his voice, his violence is hardly shown, he KNOWS he is superior but he is amused by our funny little emotions and worry’s and he just loves to watch us fall apart and loves to watch and see what will happen wondering which one will be more traumatic, he literally flips a coin to make a choice as to whether or not to save Bella. Mads is still just as vicious and unhinged as Hopkins but it is significantly toned down, subtle but his rage is palatable(the best show of this for me is when Mason Verger STABS HANNIBALS CHAIR I nearly screamed, Hannibal does not react, his face does not change he does not move a muscle but the rage and pit of hell that is opening up is vibrating through the air and saturates the whole scene it becomes unhinged with Masons malicious laugh filling up the room, almost overstimulating, because Hannibal is just not reacting in a way that those of us who are not cannibals would) another thing that I just realized, sorry for the rambling! But the one link between both Mad and Hopkins in how they play Hannibal is how they do not jump to show anger, “the rare occurrence of the doctor anger” is loosely what is written about Hannibal in silence of the lambs when Miggs harasses Sterling and it’s blatantly obvious how Mads does not jump to anger, even in when the show is at its peak. One last thing about Hannibal in the show wanting to keep his sister somewhere he will always know where she is, where to find her, is exactly what he does when Will tells him “I don’t want to see you ever again, do not contact me leave me alone” his dramatic ass turns himself in “so you always know where I am” Sorry for the rambling, I can’t help myself when it comes to Hannibal (great work!)

[@ratbrain6991]

In all fairness, most of my thoughts stems from the video essays by Collative Learning, he’s got some great insights and has some videos about Hannibal and The Shining, The Exorcist etc, all sorts of things! His catalog goes back since 2007!! He even has a video on the lesser know Brian Cox as Hannibal!

[@leafc6744]

omg so glad you mentioned Hannibal turning in him because I thought that was so disturbing but hilarious. The entire time i was like “look at this dramatic ass oh my god” 🤣🤣

[@lizanna6390]

I heard that the writer based Hannibal on a few different inmates which is why this singular criminal has never been confirmed.

[@klownivore]

I could rewatch this series 100 times and enjoy it more every time

[@ZenHellephant]

Madds makes Anthony Hopkins look like a touchy uncle lol. Never thought Hannibal could be played better than Hopkins

[@allisonpriest7830]

I think it’s because Hopkins didn’t get to explore his character in depth as the series did.

[@matthewlogan4267]

Lol not at all Hopkins was the best hannibal lecter

[@skivy5116]

hannibal is by far my favourite show of all time and i love watching video essays of the show! thank u for this wonderful insight i loved every part of it :)

[@vxvnw]

i have never had another experience like watching Hannibal. Everything is so perfect, art pure art. This is my favourite series

[@erinthepigeon904]

Well, time for my yearly rewatch of this masterpiece

[@KingPower81ANDGuMRBR]

This is the best analysis I've ever seen of the show, using Hannibal's words to describe the feelings is just too good. I'm rewatching for the 4th time.

[@nexqq9648]

I'm doing a project for school based on this series and I stumbled over this analysis in the process of looking for inspiration, and honestly it's so good in such a short amount of time, I loved it

[@VvendigO.]

"A meal that never gets cold" - I love that pun!:)) One of the best analysis I've ever 'digested'. I like how this show attracts, connects and fascinates the smart people out there.

[@mattgilbert7347]

A suitably Nietzschean analysis of a Nietzschean character.

[@Haselover]

Like a few comments mention, Hannibal had to eat Misha to survive, he didn’t have a hand in her death. If you read Hannibal rising or even watch the film they both show exactly what happened. It something that Hannibal fans don’t need to be told twice,, hence why it’s not in the nbc rendition. Because it doesn’t retell the story until we get to season 3 and even then it diverges from the books canon.

[@Haselover]

Adding to this, world war 2 was a big aspect of Hannibal’s upbringing but due to the time change (making them modern as opposed to a period piece) it wouldn’t line up timeline wise. Perhaps that why they’re vague, so that the audience isn’t doubting the math.

[@lizanna6390]

In the movie it's still not clear whether he was aware or willing to eat her. She was murdered by a group of nazi deserters who killed her because they were starving. It's said they 'fed her to him' but her remains had been cooked into stew so he may not have been fully aware at the time as a lot of the time between Mishas death (he saw her being led outside but was knocked unconscious) and stumbling out of the snow near his former home is blocked out. He may even have been forced fed and the men who killed her definitely ate her too.

[@Bonx04122]

Best video I saw on Hannibal's mind yet! Can't believe your channel is still so small with this amount of quality. I wish you all the best!

[@LovelessOmbra]

That's so kind, thank you so much :D

[@karribies]

I don't know about Anthony Hopkins (haven't seen his version of Hannibal yet) but Mads Mikkelsen portrayed the devilish nature of Hannibal Lecter perfectly. It is a textbook example of how people would define a manipulative person with a sort of god complex--but also this person isn't foolish because of his said god complex. The sadistic nature of Hannibal definitely makes a good antagonist but some moments in the series really made me sympathetic for him as well.

[@sean5558]

Anthony Hopkins portrayed Hannibal as an evil genius who became a horror/slasher icon like Jason Voorhees or Freddy Krueger. They did Hannibal character true justice on building his story in the series so we can actually see what he is and even root for him sometimes since he’s much more than just a another form of Slasher

[@Echo-gj2qu]

Will was "the lost bird in the cage" as Chiyoh, Badelia or Abigail and probably even Miriam. Hannibal collected strays the same way Will did, but with dogs; tho Will gave them what they needed while Hannibal was taking everything from them to see what would they do and for how long. Will was always unstable with people, he couldn't find connection, not even with his parents (all tho this could've been one of the reasons why he didn't appreciate the company of others for too long). He prefered being lonely and comfortable, without the eyes of others. He enjoyed teaching and helping in only way he could, but that drained him as well. It stressed him enough. Everyone saw it and ignored it, because he was "weird" but "helpful", still they didn't want to be a part of this; they weren't taking him seriously. Hannibal wasn't looking at him that way (like an unstable person), he gave him this comfort (the same way Red Dragon had comfort in Reba) or at least fake comofort, because it quickly attached Will to the only person in his life that actually tried to understand him as well. Not Alana. Nor Jack. Will wasn't stupid, that's the biggest thing, he was smart, well educated, understanding and really clever in most subjects. I'm pretty sure in S2 he understood what Hannibal was doing with him and why he shouldn't play this game, but that's amused him. The old life wasn't what he needed and after Hannibal liked him enough to let him see the real him, he tried to make Will understand that while pushing him to the edge. Will was a "good person" with empathy, he liked helping, but it wasn't stable and thrilling for him enough (mostly in S2). Most important the game started not becasue he couldn't go to other psychiatrist, but because Hannibal (maybe this time not even on purpouse), showed him how the only two people in his life left him without giving it a second thought (in cut scenes we saw encounter - Alana and Will, when he was running away from FBI. She batrayed him on the spot, that made Will lost all the left feelings for her). He understood that he would never find someone who trully wanted to put him first and always believe him. Not even Molly. She knew how bad it was for him, they talked, she knew he was the person that "didn't kill all those people" and ignored the past pushing him to make this decision. Most important she was a stray. Will didn't saw her as a family, becasue if he would, he would be looking for love before as well, but he didn't. He liked the comfort of one sided love, that he knew couldn't have happend. He went into Molly's and her son lives becasue it was a fever dream of a family, something he made from not himself but took from "street" (that's the first thing Hannibal noticed). He never called her anything more than a "wife" and "Molly" there were no feelings involved, I mean - love - he just took another stray to feel more "human". After 3 years when he saw Hannibal he understood there wasn't anything more to life he made up. It was heartbreaking, tiring and bitter for him, but well there he was - trying to accept it. The bird in the cage wasn't in the cage anymore, that was different from others, their cages was always open for them and they didn't want to fly away, Will closed that door becasue he wanted to stay. After all... he was like Hannibal, he knew it was manipulation, he chose to not do anything about it. To be manipulated you can't be aware of it - he was very aware. He wasn't lost anymore. I think their relationship is beautiful in many ways as vicious and ugly as well toxic it is.

[@C-OBrien]

He also has possibly the best drip in cinema history, those suits are absolutely gorgeous

[@TheEternalOuroboros]

I wouldn’t call Hannibal “impulsive”. He is opportunistically impulsive. Love the vid.

[@tvbowels]

great analysis in some aspects, but the characterization feels kinda off considering hannibal isn’t actually unempathetic or incapable of regret, and thus is not a psychopath. Will also isn’t just some poor guy who got his empathy weaponized to the benefit of a cannibalistic serial killer. i think you’re giving hannibal wayyy too much credit lol. that narrative undermines a lot of depth in will’s character and their dynamic in general, as well as the rich, layered nature of the script. i also feel like surmounting the likability of hannibal and will as a unit to “hannibal manipulating the audience” erases how subversively this series depicts monstrosity and love and the romance in general! definitely an interesting perspective though, and a well made video

[@kailuvkats]

From my understanding Psychopaths have been found to feel SOME empathy, for example loved ones/family but i do think that he has no remorse. I would say he probably is a psychopath but I guess we can all take how his psyche is differently, thats the beauty of the show.

[@tvbowels]

@@kailuvkats my interpretation for the show version of hannibal (and i believe bryan fuller has also said this?) is that he’s beyond classification. the show i feel makes a point of making him seem otherworldly, like a force of nature more than a man, and then humanized by his love and his desire to be seen for all that he is. but if we’re looking at it realistically and not through the super artsy metaphorical veil this show has wrapped itself in, i think you’re definitely right

[@kdot101]

Thankyou, Hannibal is a monster and does horrible things but with Will he genuinely thought he was helping. It’s not the empathy that caused will’s darkness, it was just always a part of him and he wanted to bring it out. We even see a charcter Pazzi in s3 who has the same empathy to will but he has no problems doing his work as police because there is no darkness inside him. Hannibal took no interest in him because of this. I think people are too blinded by will’s ”person suit” in s1. He can understand Hannibal because he is similar to him. For the same reason Hannibal can understand Will. They see themselves in eachother. (Although Will is very different and maybe not as cruel as Hannibal thinks he is because he has morality and a want to be good.)

[@lauracuomo7717]

​@@kdot101a volte penso che hannibal vede se stesso in will per via della super empatia di Will. Alcune volte mi sono domandata se in realtà ciò che Hannibal vedeva in Will non era altro che una proiezione dell'empatia di Will, poiché lui è come uno specchio

[@kdot101]

@@lauracuomo7717 That’s actually a rly interesting theory and makes sense. I do think hannibal sees himself more in will than what is actually true. But also in my opinion there is just inherent violence in will cuz will for example only starts liking hannibal after he calls will a predator/dangerous (mongoose) and when they start to talk about murder haha

[@meid789]

Great Analysis! I knew how horrible Hannibal is but now after watching this I realize how much more terrifying (and a monster) he truly is. Maybe Will realized in the end that there was no going back for him and he decided to kill them both (down the cliff).

[@lauracuomo7717]

Yes, also bc he finds comfort in Hannibal violence

[@rachelgarciaacevedo9316]

Wow this is such a good video and a well done analysis. It’s not overdone and easy to follow and understand. This channel is totally gonna keep growing with videos like these. This is awesome!

[@shayogirl]

Wonderful video. I try to re-watch Hannibal once a year and it always delivers.

[@folkestrid5923]

Thank you. I never really bought the whole "oh, Hannigram, they're so cute"-thing. The guy's a total bastard who's constantly messing with Grahams head. I loved seeing Crawford kick Hannibal's smug ass.

[@CatbaronAle]

Loved this and wanted to posit a concept to you: I think there’s room for the confirmed romance as text in S3 between Hannibal and Will within your analysis. Namely that it’s true no one is safe from Hannibal, even those he loves. And something like romantic love is a concept he just has not encountered nor tenders different treatment in any way til shortly before getting shoved off a cliff with it. Because if he is alone, why would a need to entertain romantic love genuinely come about until he finds an equal? One he seems convinced doesn’t exist until Will exerts his… well will (lol) to the fullest extent over the course of many years. It’s a teaser into what could have been an amazing chapter of philosophical horror in s4 if it ever happened. Namely: how does love (something we could generously call the most human emotion) look under a lens of moral ambiguity and a blurred concept of capacity for evil? Do we allow evil to love? Does a capacity for love change how we view devastating scenarios or persons? And many more questions. The writers of Hannibal would have made a beautiful discussion of the concept for sure. And one that because of how intensely many (but not all, me being among them- hello fellow ace folks reading this comment) feel it within their lives, could have made for some lasting bone chilling moments of psychological horror. Alas, rip season 4. Really intriguing analysis and well done writing. Looking forward to watching your other videos. Cheers

[@lauracuomo7717]

Ho rivisto la serie per la seconda volta, e riguardandola sotto il punto di vista di Hannibal mi sono resa conto che lui in realtà, per com'è fatto, si è sempre sentito solo. Ecco perché quando conosce Will inizia a sperare in un legame con lui, perché finalmente non è più solo; finalmente ha qualcuno che lo comprende. Per questo, anche se è uno psicopatico, per me Hannibal è in grado di affezionarsi, di provare empatia, dolore e solitudine. Questo lo rende ancora più accattivante e interessante

[@marieproustine8115]

That was brilliant. I'd spend another hour listening to you dissecting Hannibal Lecter

[@LovelessOmbra]

*Who knows what the future holds*

[@marieproustine8115]

@@LovelessOmbra I have huge faith in you, Loveless)

[@harshdhanwani3435]

I have watched many shows but this show remains on top for me. The writing and acting of each characters beautifully pans out blending with the atmosphere created. Also the cinematography of this show is very captivating and the philosophical aspect makes us crave for more of Dr Lecter!

[@asteroid435]

this is a really good video, i think the only reason its not getting more attention is because the hannibal hype is kind of over, which is sad, cuz its a really good show

[@busra9346]

Absolutely amazing review of Hannibal! I feel like you really did hit the nail on the head. As an avid Hannibal fangirl, you blew me away :D Keep up the good work :) Cheers

[@jennoulalatsero-ii2fy]

Utterly grief stricken again after re watching Hannibal The best series ive ever watched. Thank you for this analysis ❤

[@Ms.synthwave-runner]

Well done and thank you for producing such quality content. Continue the excellent work, I think you bring something wonderful to the table. 👍🏽💕

[@daisybuchanan8205]

That was a meticulous analysis, just bravo, very underrated channel, you just earned a new sub.

[@HK-gm8pe]

yeis true that in the end you wish that they would have escaped somehow but its also because after end credits there is scene with Bedelia with her leg cut off and served , so they were actually implying that they might have escaped somehow...but yep I get your point, I have said it before that I was disturbed how much Hannibals character charmed me :D and Mads Mikkelsen did amazing job, I think I like his version even more than Anthony Hopkins :)

[@spookylittlebat]

Would there ever be a _happy_ ending for Will and Hanni, though? 🤔

[@HK-gm8pe]

@@spookylittlebat nope I dont think so :D just that their toxic relationship continues :D

[@l.b9108]

omg I didn't notice that at first and I was so confused!!! There's even two chairs and dinner plates set out lol how did I miss that

[@lizanna6390]

The creater has since confirmed they both survived and came for Bedelia. They never expected anyone to think she did it herself.

[@moon2985]

really great analysis. you definitely deserve more subscribers

[@valery5360]

this is a fantastic analysis and i love how well you understand the show and especially Hannibal himself! Hannibal is horrible, he's the worst but i also want him to be my dad lol

[@spookylittlebat]

“Want him to be your dad”. Pahahahaha 🤣

[@valery5360]

@@spookylittlebat i mean you've seen his house! plus at least he would take my mental health seriously😭✋️

[@spookylittlebat]

@@valery5360 Let’s not forget that he’s an excellent cook, baker, mentor, dog sitter, and cuddler. What more could you ask for? 😆

[@Arinaretina]

no literally!!! i love him and is absolutely terrified of him at the same time 😩

[@shannonlopez2295]

This was an excellent review of Hannibal! Really enjoyed this. I cant wait to see what you do next. :D

[@NorthstarMov]

"It's only cannibalism if we're equals". There - Go to sleep on that.

[@SamuelBlack84]

Those I would eat are most definitely not my equals

[@CharlieApples]

Hannibal has a possessive nature when it comes to the people he “loves”. He hates the idea of one of his few favorite people leaving him behind and being happier and better off for it. Because at the end of the day, he is brutally alone, and will always miss the time in his life were he was surrounded by trustworthy people who loved him unconditionally. And the loss of them turned him into a monster that not even a deeply empathetic person could trust and love unconditionally. So he eats them, so they’ll always be with him, and conjoined to him.

[@mf___2375]

Hannbal y will tuvieron un final feliz, su propio final feliz. No creo que haya mejor final para la serie. Nadie podía entenderlos mejor que ellos mismos y sin duda nos resulta difícil comprender que lo que vivieron al final fue un objetivo desde el principio. Por cierto, me encanta la analogía constante del amor entre ellos dos, fue demasiado cautivador ver algo que saliera de las normas típicas del género de romance, un especial único y bizarro que solo ellos pueden compartir

[@lauracuomo7717]

Adoro il fatto che effettivamente nessuno di noi spettatori, ma anche gli altri personaggi dello show, riesce davvero a capire fino in fondo quello che hanno loro due. Non so quante analisi avrò letto su Tumblr ma loro due continuano ad essere estremamente difficili da capire, e secondo me è il bello dello show

[@lirlyancarlen6265]

Que achado maravilhoso foi esse vídeo. Sou uma fã de carteirinha de Hannibal e seu vídeo consegue ser tão maravilhoso quando a série. Hannibal é com toda a certeza uma série que vale a pena assistir mais de uma vez porque sempre deixamos coisas passar ao ficarmos abismados vendo a cinematografia dessa obra prima. A segunda vez sempre é a melhor. A profundidade, as representações, as questões levantadas, a cinematografia, tudo nessa série é perfeita. Mnnha esperança de ter uma 4 temporada nunca morrerá!

[@arinaarinza]

Wow, this was a really good analysis. Well done!

[@VictoriaEvelynRose]

This is by far one of the best video on Hannibal ❤❤❤

[@trentthehehim3936]

Hannibal’s main drive to eating people is culture, cooth and manners. That’s why he can turn on a person he seemed to be getting along with one moment and eating them the next. As long as you’re adhering to his ideas of those aforementioned things, That only HE knows. You’re safe. And the moment you cross the line of one of those, that’s when he eats you.

[@AnnettaDarandri]

Finally someone speak my mind! 2nd half of the second season was so, so good. I like to call it Hannibal and Will’s honeymoon phase, until Hanni learned he’s being played as well, ye he’s still very hopeful that Will was on his side. And characters like Randall Tier was so, so cool.

[@lesyeuxsansvisage1157]

Bryan Fuller never gets enough credit for his work. All of the actors are willing to come back to finish the Silence of the Lambs arc, which speaks volumes. When Fuller was fired from American Gods, Chenoweth and Anderson left out of loyalty to him (Gaiman had a hissy fit). Orlando Jones spoke, after being used and abused by Gaiman and Starz, about how lucky they were to have Fuller. A man who could write for ANY character, from any race, ethnicity, gender, etc. The first time we see Anansi is incredible, and it was Fuller who pushed for Jones to be hired for the character. I wish they’d bring Hannibal back.

[@chemkawa2638]

I agree. All the shows he’s created (at least all the ones I’ve watched) are full of unique and interesting ideas, the twists and subversions just keep on coming and it makes me wonder if he’ll ever run out. It’s such a pity that usually they get cancelled and cut off so quickly , but even so he just keeps going and trying his hardest to put his ideas out into the world. I’d love to step into his brain

[@maier]

This video is golden, great job!

[@Skittleztheif]

I like how anothny Hopkins plays a more unstable Hannibal but I love how the directors remade it into a series and they could not have picked a better actor to play as Hannibal I cried while watching a movie Madz was in a dutch film called The Hunt it's about a teacher who is falsely accused of assaulting one of his students I highly recommend the movie but it touches some really deep topics about society and culture

[@jaimedeleon1194]

I love your passion for this characterization of Hannibal. Hopefully I get to enjoy the show soon

[@kostasblackbeard9261]

I think, the most shocking part about the show is that, on many occasions, especially when Hannibal is talking about God, I found myself agreeing to the things he says. When Hannibal discusses philosophy, you almost forget the fact that he's a literal serial killer. Because his attitude toward certain notions, especially religion, are very accurate. "Morality doesn't exist, only morale" and "He felt powerful" are some of the most impactful lines of dialogue I've ever heard, red or watched. Hannibal, to me at least, makes it seem as though we're not like him, for the sole reason that we're not good enough to live like that. Like we're not smart enough, sophisticated enough.

[@LovelessOmbra]

Wow, this is my second video to cross the 10k mark in views. Thank you all so much! Update: First video to ever hit the big 50k milestone! I'm glad so many of you found it to be such an enjoyable view. Another update: HOLY CRAP 100k y'all are awesome frfr

[@pratikkulkarni407]

This is beautifully written analysis of the Hannibal. I think you should do more such videos on this channel. Probably keep uploading only one type of content here and for other content, maybe use the second channel. So that you can grow as per your potential.

[@nicolechampeau8432]

Thanks for the great video. I just discovered this channel and would love another video like this one!

[@kimdaisies2660]

Just seen the series on Netflix. Love your analysis, the editing, your speaking voice etc. I agree with others commenting here and would love to see more vids like this, this was really well done. The numbers in viewership indicate interest and preference for the subject matter even though and I am sure your analyses in other vids must also be very good. 😊

[@yellowbones]

Among the biggest crimes in all of Television history is the fact that this show got cancelled.

[@19RaxR91]

There are a couple of plot points you presented slightly inaccurately like, for example, Crawford bringing Will on to help catch The Chesapeake Ripper when actually it was to help catch Minnesota Shrike, who turned out to be Garret Jacob Hobbs. That said, your analysis of the characters and the overall themes of the show is spot on even with the minor goofs. Hannibal has been one of my all time fave series since it unfortunately ended, and it definitely deserves everything good coming its way.

[@meigyntay9226]

Thank you so much for the analysis. I watched the show ten times in 2020.

[@asininerealms]

my favorite aspect of Hannibal is the fact that he is genuinely unpredictable

[@scoutkbartholomew722]

Hannibal was just interested in his ability to think like a killer. Will has the mind with the capacity to kill but his empathy was the only thing that separated them. Hannibal just tried planting little seeds

[@zee9134]

incredibly well-made video

[@metal87power]

Creeped out? He actually makes cannibalism more attractive.

[@AA-qb7ni]

The series is so underappreciated. I think it deserves to be up there with the greats. The storytelling is perfect.

[@raymondsims7042]

Definitely a masterpiece show top twenty imo

[@LovelessOmbra]

My dumb ass calling Shiva Vishnu for some reason lmao

[@zaxxe1337]

Such a great video, great analysis. Too good for KZbin

[@devashrikulkarni1337]

such a brilliant analysis

[@TheDarkRaven]

Wow! You've done a really good review. I really loved the show too and thought the writing was splendid! With alot of badly written movies and shows that like to hold the viewers hand and dumb down the plots, I think Hannibal was something really special and refreshing. I'm also rooting for a continuation of the show. Who knows...maybe the new Fantastic Beasts movie with Mads in the leading role might bring in a new audience to Hannibal. I think it's a possibility since people have their eye mostly on him for the new movie.

[@HeliosAI56]

the fact that hannibal has captured us is a prefix of the actor mikklesen. the artfully rewritten stories, the attention to detail, offer something to keep in the film collection. I study it for teachings, to overcome our limits

[@shadylady5080]

A brilliant analysis, thank you!

[@mafzapan]

you ate with that ending, left me mounth dropped

[@annettelouise6781]

This is amazing analyses. Time for another watch.

[@borgia7311]

Fantastic analysis, it made realize how absolutely scary hannibal is

[@nixiemar8995]

i disagree on a handful of your finer points but still this is an amazing break-down of not only hannibal's character but also how it works in the context of the larger components of the show & horror genre. really good vid i enjoyed it!!

[@IwFdW]

Hannibal successfully entered my mind.

[@gabrielacolmenares6609]

The closing phrase is so good, I've also watch Hannibal like 4 times lol

[@burke8352]

Goddamn i want to watch this again

[@MrHellsing76]

I still think that Hannibal in the series is a supernatural entity, solely due to how he is able to work as a top class socialite, craft such massive feasts for the upper class, full time job as a psychiatrist, and fully stalk and hunt people. WHERE DOES HE HAVE ALL THE TIME?!

[@Invincible_Falls]

The stagman actually looks a lot like The Beast from over the garden wall, just something cool I noticed

[@SUN-DANCE]

Mischa was murdered by pirates (explained in the books) after they captured Hannibal and Mischa in their escape from their home at the time. However, the pirates forced Hannibal to eat Mischa as they too were cannibals, but wanted to force Hannibal into it. It’s implied by the presence of the captive, Hannibal tracked the group of pirates, killed them all except one, which he kept captured in Chiyho’s care. Mischa was the first person Hannibal ate.

[@LovelessOmbra]

Yeah I was only referring to the Canon of the show

[@SUN-DANCE]

@@LovelessOmbra my apologies. Was just mentioning incase. The backstory is also cannon thankfully, as it was written by the original author, so just wanted to mention incase unaware.

[@silviamm8161]

Pirates??? surely you mean nazis? Or more specifically a group of Lithuanian Hilfswillige.

[@SUN-DANCE]

@@silviamm8161 haha you‘re right, I’m sorry haha, completely forgot who it was that actually kidnapped them and so just went with pirates.

[@silviamm8161]

@@SUN-DANCE were you watching Black Sails at the time and mixed the two?

[@SG-zp4fz]

You're convincing me to watch this damn it haha

[@midnight.tantrum727]

this is gonna be weird to say, but you sound like a young ron swanson

[@LovelessOmbra]

I happily accept this. Nick Offerman is a treasure

[@marioaugusto5408]

Fun fact: most of the dark scenes were set because of budget cuts. They said it in the post mortem of the series.

[@seven.s_stars]

wdym by this sry i’m confused 😅

[@marioaugusto5408]

@@seven.s_stars search for the post mortem of Hannibal, they are available on KZbin

[@BayHarbo]

@@seven.s_starsThe scenes with a dark environment were made that way because they didn’t have the budget to show everything

[@seven.s_stars]

@@BayHarbo ohhhhh tysm :)

[@meamme8]

I think well, at least in the books Hannibal was feed his sister without the knowledge of it being her and later he connected the dots. It leaned a bit more into his cannibalism being more due to the extremely traumatic experiences of his childhood.

[@HeliosAI56]

the false murders, as in the case of abigail, would make us think of a positive figure, to follow, of hanibal, while he remains a murderous criminal, yet his intelligence and refinement, make him access and fall in love with him. the final scene of the third season, with that final music, show hannibal as a good father, our best friend. and the thing is dangerous, for weak minds ...

[@josemiguelgonzalezwachter2269]

Nicely done. Very good.

[@flaviochavez1747]

The whole time watching the series I forgot the main part of the Wendigo mythos being the consumption of human flesh causing metamorphosis. 😐 It all makes sense now.

[@TheeMustangBro]

The last four episodes of season 2 literally are just art

[@hopekeeley2122]

I never liked jumpscare slasher horror, so I labeled myself a scaredy cat for a long time, but when I watched this show and started writing my own horror stories I realized I’m a total blood freak when the presentation is right (and it doesn’t push any of my specific no go buttons)

[@JonnySublime]

absolutely top shelf writing.