10 Things You Didn't Know About The Silence of the Lambs

5. €˜I am Hannibal Lecter€™

The part of Lecter was coveted by most actors with a long list of Oscar winners including Robert Duvall, Jack Nicholson, and Robert De Niro all being considered. Plus a tidy British contingent including Patrick Stewart, John Hurt and the original Hannibal from Manhunter Brian Cox all auditioned. Jeremy Irons was chosen as the stand out candidate, which actually makes great sense and I can quite easily imagine how his Hannibal might have been. Irons turned it down, but did not live to regret it as the part he chose over it was Claus Von Bulow from Reversal of Fortune, which he, like Hopkins would go on to do, won Best Actor.
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Contributor

Frustratingly argumentative writer, eater, reader and fanatical about film ‘n’ food and all things fundamentally flawed. I have been a member of the WhatCulture family since it was known as Obsessed with Film way back in the bygone year of 2010. I review films, festivals, launch events, award ceremonies and conduct interviews with members of the ‘biz’. Follow me @FilmnFoodFan In 2011 I launched the restaurant and food criticism section. I now review restaurants alongside film and the greatest rarity – the food ‘n’ film crossover. Let your imaginations run wild as you mull on what that might look like!