SPLICED Magazine SPLICED Issue 05 June/July 2014 | Page 50

SPLICED FEATURE / TEN TV SHOWS YOU SHOULD BE WATCHING Hannibal Genre / Thriller cast / Mads Mikkelsen / Hugh Dancy / Laurence Fishburne / Caroline Dhavernas / Gillian Anderson Creator / Bryan Fuller What is it about? Before The Silence of the Lambs there was Red Dragon, written by Thomas Harris, the book upon which the character of Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter was based. This TV version of Hannibal draws inspiration directly from Red Dragon. The show focuses on the relationship between Will Graham, an FBI criminal profiler who has the burden of being able to empathise with serial killers and understand their desire to kill, and Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a forensic psychiatrist/cannibalistic serial killer who takes Will on as a new friend and patient. Why watch it? The series is visually stunning. One of the most beautifully filmed and striking pieces of TV you’re likely to see. From Will Graham’s mentally visualised reconstruction of crime scenes, getting into the killer’s frame of mind, to the creative and often extremely disturbing crime scenes, Hannibal will leave you coming back for seconds. Mads Mikkelsen is a perfect Hannibal, playing the role with an unnerving, creepy, reptilian coldness that is sure to send shivers down your spine. Hugh Dancy as Will Graham is a perfect balance to Hannibal’s character, and the two have an on-screen chemistry that will keep you engrossed and clinging onto every word and subtle facial expression they share. 50 ISSUE 05