An icon woven into pop culture via The Silence Of The Lambs, Lecter has had audiences frightened because he likes to eat people. Fair enough. In the TV offering, Lecter surpasses the suave laconic version played by Anthony Hopkins, who, lets be honest, was never seen as a villain. More like someone who was just misunderstood. Played with deranged aplomb by Mads Mikkelsen, this new Lecter has been given free reign to become an undoubted bad guy. Channeling his murderous tendencies, Lecter selects only those he considers rude for his chopping block - a method which parallels his big-screen motivations. Only the baddies get it. Its pretty stomach-churning stuff to see his victims become a part of his buffet platters. The meat packing heir Mason Verger, here played by Michael Pitt, is himself an insufferable tyrant who subjects people to horrendous experiences (sexual abuse, physical violence.) Its not long before he winds up on Lecters table after being heavily-dosed up. If you thought what Lecter did to Paul Krendler (Ray Liotta) in the movie was bad, thats nothing compared to the horror Verger receives. High as a kite, he is encouraged to slice off his own face. Then eat it.
Gem is a freelance writer, musician and librarian.
Her hobbies include: recreating movie death scenes from LEGO, concocting new types of bird suet cakes, walking on fresh snow and playing the glockenspiel - all at the same time.