test: Hannibal

Hannibal at SDCC 2013

Fan Art from a relevant scene in TV Series Hannibal

I just had to review the Hannibal Panel from this year's San Diego Comic Con! I love this new show and hope it continues to grow in popularity next season! The only starring actor in the show to attend the panel was Hugh Dancy, who plays Will Graham. I really wish we could have had the other stars, Mads Mikkelson and Laurence Fishbourne, as well. Maybe next year!

Hannibal Panel at SDCC

Probably the most interesting insight we learned had to do with the stag. We all generally know that the Stag which eventually becomes the Windigo represents Hannibal in Will's mind. However, we learned a little more about it. The stag comes from the first case that Will Graham assists which involves one of Hannibal's kills. It was the one where Cassie Boyle was impaled on the severed stag's head and pecked at by raven's. The stag is an amalgamation of those elements in Will's mind resulting in a stag covered in raven feathers which later becomes the Windigo as Will becomes more certain of Hannibal's involvement.

There were a number of varying questions, but questions about wanting to know more about the ear in the last episode came up twice. It was confirmed that we will learn a bit more about that ear and how Will ended up with that in his throat in the first episode of season two. Someone also asked about the smirk on Hannibal's face at the end of the season. We learned it goes back to the beginning of the season when Will Graham first goes to see Hannibal. Hannibal starts by talking to him from upstairs on the balcony, then downstairs, then eventually sits down to talk closer to Will. They likened Will Graham to being like a squirrel and Hannibal to a hunter coaxing and luring the squirrel closer. The smirk indicated that Hannibal had his squirrel, Will Graham, in the trap. One other really great question was if Will Graham's encephalitis was contracted from cannibalism. The answer was that they hadn't thought of that and that she should be in the writer's room!

"Stag Girl" was a hit with the Panel

We also learned more about Season 2 in general. The story arc for season two is already mapped out. Episodes One and Two will essentially be like a pilot for a new season, because it's going to be entirely different as all the elements of the first season have been played out. We learned that there will be a trial in episode 3 and that Will Graham hits rock bottom. It'll make for a "loose, scrappy, fighty" Will Graham!!

As the minds behind the show talked, it became very evident that there is a huge love for the Hannibal stories. The show was actually made by a fan; not by some people who merely threw together a successful concept for a tv show to make some money. These guys really care about the story, the history, and the characters. It's evident in the quality! This panel just proves how far their passion for the show goes.

Season 1 comes out on DVD in September and will include behind the scenes features, commentary, and a gag reel!

I can't wait for the second course!!

To Infinity and Beyond,

Heather

The Incredible Dork

Hannibal: Not the Usual Fare

Are you watching Hannibal?

Do.

(No spoilers.)

Just look at that picture above. Do you see the quality? Look again, and notice the style of the suit, the detail in the napkin and wallpaper, and the colors. Every single shot in this show has that level of detail. Most shows have these kinds of stylized and fully saturated shots in their promotional material, but then revert back to the usual network level of filming for the actual program. Not Hannibal. THAT is what you get. In every aspect of the show, Hannibal delivers detail and quality; none of it is your average network TV.

Gorgeous promotional photo.

Hannibal hits three major selling points, in my opinion. Firstly, they nailed the casting. The primary stars, Hugh Dancy, Laurence Fishbourne, and Mads Mikkelsen, are all seasoned actors. The main star of the show playing Hannibal Lecter himself, Mads Mikkelsen, is KILLER. I kid you not. His face, his acting, the writing for the role, are all perfection for his character. To add a little more kick to an already stellar cast, Gillian Anderson and Gina Torres also guest star on occasion.

Beyond great acting, Hannibal serves up a feast for the senses. It's like watching a work of art. So much preparation and thought has gone into every detail in set design, style in clothing, and sound. I thoroughly appreciate the forethought that has clearly gone into every shot; I can see that the color of couches, walls, curtains, and clothing have all been considered and deliberately combined in all the right ways for maximum affect.

Look at the colors of the wall, the couch, and on the two characters;

that is what each scene is like. They are just as indulgent as the meals Hannibal himself creates.

This is directly from a scene; it's not a promotional image.

The clothing regularly ties in to the background.

Those light blues in the back of the scene tie in with the pocket kerchief.

Blues and browns are always a beautiful combination,

especially when the tones are just right as seen here.

Finally, the story and writing itself make this a winning show in it's uniqueness. At first glance, you might think this was a crime drama. Perhaps it is. I'm not sure. I do know that I would personally label it as more of a psychological drama. All the elements that make up Hannibal create a mood to experience as well as a story to watch. It's highly unpredictable. You never know for sure what each episode will hold or where the story will go. Will it be fearful or pensive or both? The bodies, deaths, and crime scenes are also very distinctly "Hannibal" and avoid being like other crime dramas.

I honestly still couldn't tell you where this season is going. I just know that I want to watch the next episode and find out more. It's a show that unravels layers from each character and from the storyline through each scene; every thing has a purpose. I love that it isn't about individual episodes each week. I don't even think it's about a story arc for each season. It may be too early to tell that for sure, but I think it's a pretty safe bet that this is all about the characters' stories and how they will ultimately culminate.

Locations always have texture, pattern, and color.

A phrase often repeated is "This is my design." It is used in relation to the purposeful acts of a psychopath. It can be said that every aspect of this show is by design. For that reason, it's definitely worth sampling. You'll find yourself wanting more.

I'm very pleased that Season 2 has been confirmed. Hannibal is here for dinner; get in while it's hot.

Sincerely,

Heather

The Incredible Dork

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Hannibal at SDCC 2013

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