Hannibal Lecter Typology

In addition, watch several episodes of a non-reality based show (or movie) and record information about the physical and psychological characteristics of the actors playing the criminals. Do fictional television shows cast actors of a certain physical type or psychological profile to play offenders? What characteristics (if any) are common to fictional criminals? What is your assessment of this “typology”?

In preparation for the question I decided to watch a movie instead of watching several episodes of a non-reality based show. I chose The Silence of the Lambs, a movie that I have enjoyed over the years. One of the criminals in this movie Doctor Hannibal Lecter will be my actor of study for this particular question; I chose him as the writer

During the movie he kills policeman, cannibalizes one (1), disembowels one (1) and removes the skin from the face of another and uses it to cover his own to aid in his escape by exchanging clothing and appearing to be an injured police officer. He can be very deceitful and manipulative it is very apparent that he is dishonest, however he does show a caring as well as a protective side for Starling. His messages at first glance would seem deceitful to the mass, however to the trained eye they become cryptic clues to help catch the killer. He shows no remorse for any of his actions, in fact he is very proud of the things he has done, he commented to Starling he once ate a man’s liver with some fava beans. He is very arrogant as well as opinionated but at the same time can be very charming (Dirks, 1991) He displays all the characteristics of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) as it states in the text (Schmalleger,

However they would have to have to psychological ability to transform themselves into that role; case in point Anthony Hopkins cast as Hannibal Lecter, he had the ability to transform his enter self into that role, it is believable to the viewer. If we look at this from another standpoint its very doubtful that the psychological make up of say Owen Wilson would fit the actor of a serial killer and psychopath. The psychological makeup of the actor would have a large part in the selection process. The one characteristic that I feel most all of these fictional criminals share in common is that of a antisocial (asocial) personality, antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and psychopathy. My assessment of these classifications as it relates to fictional characters, they make for the most exciting, the most drama type of shows. At the end of the day that is what it becomes about, selling advertisements and ratings or selling seats in a movie theater, it comes down to the all mighty