Hannibal Lecter is one character that continues to be a mystery in the eyes of the world. Very rarely being truly perceived by his viewers, it is difficult to predict exactly what he is thinking at any given moment. Be it in The Silence of the Lambs or NBC’s Hannibal, his character is consistently inconsistent, regardless of what period of his life fans see him in.
With this, one cannot help but wonder how Mads Mikkelsen was able to replicate the mastery of Anthony Hopkins and, in the eyes of many, outdo it. It would seem that a piece of advice that Hopkins gave him was crucial in creating Mikkelsen’s image of the character.
Anthony Hopkins’ Best Piece of Advice for Mads Mikkelsen
When one first hears about a show being made as a prequel to The Silence of the Lambs, they are bound to be hesitant. The film set records and managed to completely change the horror genre in a completely new way. Hearing about a series trying to replicate that seems like a definite way to failure. However, NBC’s Hannibal managed to establish itself in a completely new way.
Loosely adapting its source material, it was a three-season-long art project that managed to outdo the expectations of any skeptic, who very quickly became a superfan. This was especially true because of Mads Mikkelsen’s portrayal of the character. The actor brought a completely new kind of presence to the screen, engaging audiences differently compared to Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter.
With this, one cannot help but wonder what piece of advice Hopkins would have given Mikkelsen about a character he played two decades ago. During an interview with Vulture, the actor revealed the method that he used when he was playing the character in 1991 and the legacy he passed on to Mikkelsen.
The key is, when playing a crazy man like that, is to play the total opposite. Play him as totally sane. Play him as ordinary [and] don’t try to be evil.
Rather than telling him about specific characteristics of Lecter or things that he should draw off, Hopkins told Mikkelsen about the essence of the cannibal. He stated that as crazy as he wanted his Lecter to be, the more mundane he must seem.
They don’t have a name for what he is.
Clarice Starling—The Silence of the Lambs
Even though he is a psychopath of the highest degree, in the NBC series, he is able to hide his nefarious side for a very long time.
Mads Mikkelsen vs. Anthony Hopkins—Who Was The Better Hannibal Lecter?
There is no denying that Hopkins’ advice is evident in Mads Mikkelsen’s portrayal of Hannibal Lecter. However, fans have begun to separate their versions, with both of them having different, defining characteristics. With this, it is difficult to avoid comparisons between the two.
Fans on Reddit posed the question about whose version is better, and the answer may shock many. There are quite a few visible distinctions between Mikkelsen’s and Hopkins’ versions. Where Hopkins’ version of the character is more outwardly evil, Mikkelsen feels more like a wolf in lamb’s clothing.
Many spoke along similar lines, stating that The Silence of the Lambs showcases Hannibal’s character as someone who is visibly terrifying. He is menacing and lives up to every single aspect of his reputation. Mikkelsen, on the other hand, took a completely different approach.
He provided a listening ear to everyone who needed it. He was the personification of class and good manners. He was a good therapist, friend, and dinner partner. Until he wasn’t. As the cracks formed on his ‘person suit’, he started to unveil more and more of his truth, showcasing parts of Hopkins’ version by the end.
Hannibal is available for streaming on Prime Video.
