Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Harmonia (A) on August 18, 2004 at 11:59:26

In Reply to: Will Anthony Hopkins be anybody other than Hannibal Lecter? posted by Bolt on August 16, 2004 at 10:25:57:

I don't generally have a problem seeing actors in multiple roles, if they're convincing. A part is just a part.

Hopkins has played many other memorable parts in his long career, both before and after Lambs. He's also made his fair share of clunkers, as have most film actors in need of the occassional paycheck.

I've never identified Hopkins exclusively with Lecter. I'd seen him in many other things before Silence of the Lambs. I think the first film I saw Anthony Hopkins in was The Lion In Winter, where he played Richard the Lionheart. Next thing I think I saw was Magic, not a great movie, but Hopkins was electrifying in it. Hopkins was also wonderful in Lynch's Elephant Man.

There have been quite a few memorable Hopkins roles after Silence of the Lambs. He turns in very subtle and hearfelt performances in Howard's End, Shadowlands and Remains of the Day. He was amazing in Julie Tamor's Titus - that performance and Hopkin's menu for a party quite puts Fava beans in the shade! Oh, what he did to those bad boys!

Anyway...Hopkins had a career before Lambs and he has one after it. He got the big bucks for doing the wretched Red Dragon. He can do what he pleases now.

If Hannibal made such an indelible impression on you that you can't see Hopkins as anyone other than Lecter, that's kind of a shame. (Although I suppose a backhanded compliment to the portrayal.)

You missed a lot. But I don't think Hopkins loses much sleep over his choices.