"You're very frank, Clarice. I think it would be quite something to know you in private life. "
- Hannibal Lecter
It is the look in his eyes that gives me a chill, not the fava beans and Chianti lip-sucking moment. That moment is iconic, sure, but it is the look in Hopkins eyes that brings Lecter to life. Throughout the movie they display the cold, calculating intelligence he is known for. They show that the character under his gaze is the prey and he is merely sizing them up, analyzing their weaknesses and preparing for the kill. His eyes are almost casually half open, always relaxed. Although Lecter is kept imprisoned, his demeanor suggests that he is, in fact, the one who is in control of the situation. Then, specifically during the scene where he has the mask on, his eyes are wide-eyed and frenzied. It is apparent how much of a caged animal Lecter truly is.
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