Anthony Hopkins is truly one of the best actors that has ever graced the silver screen. He has been a part of so many critically acclaimed projects that his work as Odin in the Marvel Cinematic Universe does not even get close to one of his best-known works of all time. He has been a part of a huge number of respected and adored projects, like The Father, Fracture, One Life, and The Remains of the Day. While these certainly are a big part of how he gained the respect he has today, there is absolutely no doubt that there is one role that completely changed the actor’s life. That of Hannibal Lecter.
The Silence of the Lamb is one of the most iconic horror-crime films of all time. It is safe to say that the impact this film had on popular culture cannot be measured. Featuring one of the most psychologically complex villains in cinema history, the film perfectly showcases what a beautifully written script and an exceptionally talented actor can do together. It was revealed by Hopkins that he knew just how significant this character would be and he felt connected to him in quite an odd way.
Anthony Hopkins Felt Like He Understood Hannibal Lecter
Hannibal Lecter is one character that leaves an impression on his audience. He was a serial killer who was known for consuming his victims, which he was caught for. Years later, he was consulted when another serial killer who would bite his victims. It is safe to say that his character is extremely psychologically complex and not an easy person to play. Anthony Hopkins, despite these aspects of him, was very intrigued when he read the script.
“I have an instinct for those kinds of people,” Hopkins once told. “They’re narcissists. I don’t know if that’s in me — I just understand them.”
The actor told AARP during an interview that he had a sort of instinct when it came to people like Lecter, people who have very twisted and grotesque lives. He added that these people, who can be called narcissists, are people that he ends up forming deep connections with. He isn’t sure if it is because he is somewhat like them, though repressed, however, he added that he understands them on a deeper level than most.
Anthony Hopkins Knew That Hannibal Lecter Would Be A Part Of A Lifetime
It is perhaps because of this that Anthony Hopkins decided to be a part of The Silence of the Lambs, or its exceptional script, cast, and writing. The actor then went on to explain what he first thought about this film, and revealed how it changed his life. The actor explained that when he first read the script of this movie, he told his agent that this film would completely change his life, being a part of a lifetime.
“I’ll never escape from that guy. When I started reading The Silence of the Lambs script, I told my agent, ‘This is the part of a lifetime.’ It changed everything for me.”
The actor then added that this is exactly what happened. The role of Hannibal Lecter is what Hopkins has come to be known for, not only because it is one of his most famous films, but because this is one of the best psychological horror movies of all time. He then mentioned that no matter how hard he tries to get away from him, Hopkins is unable to escape him.
