I Need To Talk About HANNIBAL
Hello Tumblr,
I haven’t logged on here in a long long time. But after finally completing Hannibal, a series I know is extremely popular on here, I felt the need to return because I have about 40,000 thoughts and this seems like my best mode of opening up a discussion/screaming said thoughts. I’m gonna do this one post at a time and see how this goes.
HANNIBAL THOUGHTS #1 - WILL GRAHAM’S WORDLESS RESPONSES
I noticed upon second viewing of the series--in the span of a month I watched it twice, so yeah I’m fully fucking obsessed with this goddamn masterpiece of a series and honestly go fuck yourself 2013 me for not watching this show while it aired...but I digress--I noticed something rather simple yet extremely poignant and intriguing.
There are a number of instances in the series, particularly season 1 though, where Will, when talking to Hannibal, offers him nods and head shakes as responses as opposed to an audible ‘yes’ or ‘no’. On first viewing I noticed it, but my mind just thought “oh Hugh Dancy you adorable pupper shaking your head softly those delicate curls tossing around”. Second time around I find these nods to be a whole lot more revealing about the character.
There is something so innocent about shaking your head ‘no’. Like a child being scolded for something they know they did wrong; it’s sorrowfully admitting defeat. Same thing goes for nodding ‘yes’. An affirmative nod, when done strictly (think of a soldier answering to his superior), is a sign of respect--you don’t speak because it isn’t your place, but you still must answer. A slow nod is emotional, there is weight to it, as if speaking the word ‘yes’ is hard to say.
Will gives Hannibal both the sorrowful head shake and the slow nod. The best example (and honestly the easiest gif I could find for visual reference) of this is when Hannibal asks Will in ep 1x09 if he needs to call his lawyer. Will’s response:
It’s both innocent and, with the rest of season 1′s events in mind, an expression of Will’s submission. In season 1, Hannibal quietly yet effectively puppeteers Will. Through his means of psychotherapy, or curiosity of what would happen, Hannibal manipulates Will to the point where Will is under his spell. From Will’s perspective Hannibal becomes this purveyor of knowledge, his means of balance, his most trusted friend. He is Hannibal’s ward, his son. Through this, Will naturally finds himself in this submissive role (easy guys I literally mean passive and obedient...but honestly it’s fine...Mr. Lecter will see you now).
These nods and head shakes are quiet actions that reveal their relationship in season 1. And while I say this is the result of Hannibal’s overarching manipulations, it really is only half of it. The other side of this being Will’s own growing relationship with Hannibal, separate from anything to do with Hannibal’s ulterior motives. Will has found a companion in Hannibal, but it’s a relationship he isn’t used it. It’s honest and philosophically stimulating (and warm and fuzzy). Hannibal being this newfound beacon of hope creates an environment for Will to be weak, to not have to put on this mask of the strong, brilliant mind. He can show his true emotions, no matter how bare or frail he may look (contrary to how he smiles, stands up straight and makes excuses with Jack).
These nods and head shakes are quiet yet bold and underlined expressions of Will’s close and comfortable relationship with Hannibal. He doesn’t need to say the words, Hannibal sees him.
But gosh does Hugh look adorbz shaking those curls around...
Ok thats it for my first post of random 5-year-late Hannibal thoughts. Tune in next time when I scream about Abigail calling Will “Dad” in that dream he has.
