URGENT UPDATE: Anthony Hopkins has just unveiled fascinating insights into his iconic performance as Hannibal Lecter, revealing how the classic horror film Bram Stoker’s Dracula influenced his portrayal. In a newly released excerpt from his memoir, We Did OK, Kid, Hopkins shares details about his creative process that will captivate horror fans and film enthusiasts alike.
Hopkins, who won an Oscar for his role in The Silence of the Lambs in 1991, reflects on his career and the transformative moment when he read the script for the serial-killer thriller. He expressed that after only reading 15 pages, he believed it was “the best part he’d ever encountered,” and he felt an immediate connection to the character. “I instinctively sensed how to play Hannibal. I have the devil in me. We all have the devil in us. I know what scares people,” he wrote.
In the excerpt published by the Times, Hopkins reminisces about his early admiration for Bela Lugosi, the legendary actor who portrayed Dracula. He recalls how his childhood impersonations of Lugosi’s character played a crucial role in shaping his unique sound as Lecter. “The sound I imagined Dracula made… was a very particular combination of hissing and slurping. That’s where I got the sound I made with my lips as Hannibal,” he stated.
Moreover, he recounts the initial tension with his co-star, fellow Oscar winner Jodie Foster. During their first table read, he aimed to embody the frightening essence of Lecter, causing Foster to visibly tense up. “You could have heard a pin drop in the room,” he described, emphasizing the depth of their characters’ dynamic.
As the release of We Did OK, Kid continues to gain attention, fans are eager to learn more about Hopkins’ experience on set and any potential advice he might have offered to Gary Oldman during the filming of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The memoir is available now and is already stirring excitement among readers.
This revelation not only highlights the interconnectedness of cinematic storytelling but also underscores the lasting impact of classic horror on modern performances. As Hopkins continues to reflect on his legendary career, fans are reminded of the profound emotional connections these characters create.
Stay tuned for more updates as Hopkins shares further insights from his remarkable journey in Hollywood.
