Before starting this review I feel it necessary to state that I've never been one to watch major network crime dramas. Ever. To make matters worse, NBC cancelled this one in particular. Fans were outraged, mayhem ensued.
I also have a firm belief that once you've seen one type of CSI, you've seen 'em all. This is why I was so pleasantly surprised by NBC's Hannibal, which wasn't a typical crime drama at all. In case you haven't caught on, the show is about the notorious Hannibal Lecter in his early years, before Silence of the Lambs. If you're a massive movie geek like myself you probably realize why I had to see if this show was worth watching.
Did it ever deliver.
The show circles around the relationship between Hannibal himself and FBI agent Will Graham, who has the ability to emphasize with serial killers committing gruesome murders. The show is littered with wonderful cinematography, costume design, and beautifully plated food by Dr. Lecter himself which is of course unnerving for obvious reasons. The costume design is a real treat as it plays a crucial role in understanding the mental state of the characters.
The most stylish serial killer since Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, Hannibal Lecter is always dressed to the nines. He's calm and collected, much like how not a single thread is out of place on his many three-piece suits. His suits are also luxurious, with elaborate designs and prints. He's intimidating; much like the predator he truly is, and appears much more worldly and intelligent than those around him (his prey, basically).
It's interesting to note the the attention to detail in the design as well, it's only when you look into this sort of thing more do you notice clever hints pointing to who Lecter truly is. His pointed collar, besides being wickedly on-trend, is preeeeetty reminiscent of devil's horns, which I'm thinking is trying to signify that the devil himself walks among us. On that same note, Hannibal also always has bits of crimson creeping out from his clothes, much like the colour of blood. Huh. Curiouser and curiouser.
It's such a shame that this show got cancelled when it did. It's one of the few shows on basic cable (if not the only one recently) that paid such striking attention to everything about it. From cinematography to costume design, to even spinning a carefully woven story with plot twists galore, Hannibal was truly a gem. In a time where reality TV reigns supreme, it's rare to find something that grabs you and hooks you as much how this show does.
And really, you gotta respect a killer who's so immaculate and makes sure he never gets anything on his expensive threads. Bless.
