HANNIBAL LECTER

THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991), HANNIBAL (2000) AND RED DRAGON (2002)

BOTH BRIAN COX and Mads Mikkelsen have put memorable spins on Robert Harris’ murderous gastronome, but Anthony Hopkins made Hannibal a legend. Most great villains are defined by their actions, but Hopkins’ stillness is what’s so unsettling. Staring at Jodie Foster’s Starling through toughened glass, he peels away her layers with softly spoken words. Lecter’s horrific acts are more implied than shown, but his tongue proves as violent as blade or bullet. Somewhat diluted by Ridley Scott’s Hannibal and Brett Ratner’s Red Dragon, Lecter still remains a captivating foe. JAMES DYER