“A Shared Rule”: Brian Cox and Anthony Hopkins’ Pact to Avoid Discussing Their Roles as Hannibal Lecter

In a fascinating revelation, Brian Cox shared that he and Anthony Hopkins made a mutual decision to refrain from discussing their portrayals of Hannibal Lecter. Cox portrayed the character in Michael Mann’s 1986 film, Manhunter, while Hopkins took on the role in Jonathan Demme’s 1991 Academy Award-winning film, The Silence of the Lambs. These films, adapted from Thomas Harris novels, feature similar narratives of FBI profilers working with Lecter to apprehend notorious killers.

In a recent interview with THR, Cox reflected on his experience as Hannibal in Manhunter and acknowledged the immense success that followed with Hopkins’ performance in The Silence of the Lambs. He complimented Hopkins, stating, “Tony played it brilliantly,” but admitted he was initially apprehensive about watching the film due to concerns regarding public perception.

Well, it’s a different character. I mean, it’s like playing Hamlet. Everybody’s going to have their own Hamlet. I chose to play it the way the director Michael Mann and I decided to play it. Tony played it brilliantly. I mean, I had to go to Paris to see it because I couldn’t bring myself to see it in London […] because people knew that I was the other Hannibal, and I was worried about them saying, “You’re comparing Hannibal Lecters” and all that.

But we played it the way we played it. Tony decided to take it down another route. And of course, Tony’s was a huge success, and he got the Oscar and he made a lot of money out of it. I made something like 10 grand.

The choice to avoid discussions about their respective roles arose from a misunderstanding during an interview Cox participated in. He elaborated on this miscommunication:

We do not discuss it. I’ll tell you why. I did an interview with a newspaper, and the headline in the newspaper was that I was the first Hannibal Lecter. Well, that was true, but it sounded like I was boasting about it, and I wasn’t. And then I woke up one afternoon, and the phone started ringing, and all hell broke loose.

Tony and I used to share the same agent, and Tony’s then-missus rang my agent and said, “Tony’s a bit upset about that.” So I rang my agent and I said, “Look, I apologize.” Tony and I have worked together a couple of times since. We never talk about it. And that’s a rule that we never would.

Impact of Cox & Hopkins’ Hannibal Roles on Their Careers

Critical & Commercial Comparison of the Two Films

Anthony Hopkins in a prison cell in The Silence of the Lambs

While Manhunter did not achieve the same level of acclaim as Michael Mann’s other films like Heat (1995) or Collateral (2004), it received fairly positive critical feedback upon release. However, the film faced significant box office challenges, grossing only $8.6 million against its $15 million budget. As Cox’s debut in a leading role, its underperformance was a disappointment compared to his expectations for a breakthrough.

Manhunter vs. The Silence of the Lambs
Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critics’ Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score	Estimated Budget	Worldwide Box Office
Manhunter	94%	77%	$15M	$8.6M
The Silence of the Lambs	95%	95%	$19M	$272M

In stark contrast, The Silence of the Lambs was met with both critical acclaim and commercial triumph. Garnering seven Oscar nominations and winning five—including Best Picture, Best Actor for Hopkins, and Best Actress for Jodie Foster—the film solidified its place in cinematic history and propelled both actors into new heights in their careers. Hopkins later reprised his role in Hannibal and Red Dragon, although these sequels did not enjoy the same level of critical success.

Analyzing Cox & Hopkins’ Hannibal Performances

Distinct and Compelling Performances

Brian Cox as Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter

Despite their reluctance to discuss their portrayals, both Cox and Hopkins deliver compelling interpretations of Hannibal Lecter worthy of discussion. Hopkins’ rendering of the infamous character is arguably the more recognized, but Cox’s performance shouldn’t be underestimated. Cox’s portrayal often strikes a more “realistic” chord, depicting the psychological depth of a cannibalistic killer, whereas Hopkins leans into a more theatrical representation. Additionally, Mann’s stylistic direction and distinctive synth-heavy score in Manhunter create a unique atmosphere that differentiates it from Hopkins’ film.

Ultimately, the question of which performance is superior is subjective. However, it’s evident that Hopkins’ portrayal has resonated more powerfully with audiences and critics alike, thanks to the accolades he received. In any case, it appears that the two actors will continue to keep their experiences as Hannibal Lecter separate and unexamined.

Source: THR

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