Hannibal Lecter quotes from Hannibal

Jack Crawford

I want to thank you, Dr. Lecter, for your friendship.

Hannibal Lecter

The most beautiful quality of a true friendship is to understand and be understood with absolute clarity.

Jack Crawford

Then this is the clearest moment of our friendship.

Alana Bloom

Where's Jack?

Hannibal Lecter

In the pantry. I was hoping you and I wouldn't have to say goodbye. Nothing seen nor said. You may have found that rude. [takes a step towards her]

Alana Bloom

Stop! [in horror] I was so blind.

Hannibal Lecter

In your defense, I worked very hard to blind you. You can stay blind. You can hide from this. Walk away, I'll make no plans to call on you, but if you stay, I will kill you. [Alana does not move] Be blind, Alana. Don't be brave.

Hannibal Lecter

[to Will] I let you know me... see me. I gave you a rare gift, but you didn't want it.

Will Graham

Didn't I?

Hannibal Lecter

You would deny me my life?

Will Graham

No. No. No, not your life.

Hannibal Lecter

My freedom, then. You would take that from me. Confine me to a prison cell. Do you believe you could change me, the way I've changed you?

Will Graham

I already did.

Hannibal Lecter

Fate and circumstance have returned us back to this moment, when the teacup shatters. I forgive you, Will. Do you forgive me?

Abel Gideon

Cannibalism was standard practice among our ancestors. The missing link is only missing because we ate him.

Hannibal Lecter

It's not cannibalism, Abel. It's only cannibalism if we are equals.

Bedelia Du Maurier

My husband has a sophisticated palate. He's very particular about how I taste.

[smiles] Is it that kind of party?

Hannibal Lecter

It's not that kind of party.

Bedelia Du Maurier

No, it really isn't.

A shame. You're both suddenly so fascinating.

Hannibal Lecter

Would you prefer I extend you the same kindness as the snails?

Abel Gideon

Eat me without my knowledge? No. I find knowledge to be much more powerful. Why do you think I'm allowing this?

Hannibal Lecter

Why do you think I'm allowing this?

Abel Gideon

'Cause snails aren't the only creatures who prefer to eat with company... if only that company were Will Graham. [tastes the escargot] I'm curious to know how you will feel when all this is happening to you.

Bedelia Du Maurier

Where will Will Graham be looking for you next?

Hannibal Lecter

Someplace I can never go: home.

Bedelia Du Maurier

Why can't you go home, Hannibal? What happened to you there?

Hannibal Lecter

Nothing happened to me. I happened.

Bedelia Du Maurier

There is only one way you can forgive Will Graham.

Hannibal Lecter

I have to eat him.

Hannibal Lecter

Pronto.

Alana Bloom

Inspector Pazzi, my name is Alana Bloom. You don't know me, but I know your benefactor.

Hannibal Lecter

Hello, Alana. I'm afraid the inspector is rather preoccupied at the moment.

Is he dead?

Hannibal Lecter

There's nothing I'd like more than to chat with you, Alana, but I'm afraid you caught me at a rather awkward moment. Nice to hear your voice. [hangs up] So, Commendatore, what do you think, bowels in or bowels out? Out, I think. [disembowels Pazzi]

Hannibal Lecter

I brought Bella back from death, and now you've returned her to it. Is that where you're taking me, Jack?

Hannibal Lecter

How will you feel when I'm gone?

Jack Crawford

Alive.

Hannibal Lecter

[upon reuniting with Will] If I saw you every day, forever, Will, I would remember this time.

Will Graham

Strange seeing you here in front of me. Been staring at afterimages of you in places you haven't been in years.

Hannibal Lecter

Where does the difference between the past and the future come from?

Will Graham

Mine? Before you and after you.

Hannibal Lecter

How is Chiyoh?

Will Graham

She pushed me off a train.

Hannibal Lecter

Atta girl.

Hannibal Lecter

Freeing yourself from me and me freeing myself from you, they're the same.

Will Graham

We're conjoined. I'm curious whether either of us can survive separation.