Health news and discussion on TalkFuse.
The “really dark” 2001 role that left Julianne Moore in need of therapy: “I actually talked to my shrink about it”
Julianne Moore said her role in 2001 film *Hannibal* was so psychologically disturbing that she discussed it with her therapist. The story’s exploration of evil and human morality, as well as its violence, made the part harder to absorb than she had expected.
Moore took over as FBI agent Clarice Starling after Jodie Foster declined to return for the sequel to *The Silence of the Lambs*. Director Ridley Scott chose Moore, with Anthony Hopkins supporting her casting; other actors considered included Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Hilary Swank and Gillian Anderson. Moore said she came to view the story as a fable about good and evil, though she still found it psychologically horrifying.
In short
- Moore discussed the darkness of *Hannibal* with her therapist.
- She found its violence and moral themes difficult.
- She replaced Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling.
Explained simply
Hannibal is a 2001 crime thriller and sequel to The Silence of the Lambs, based on Thomas Harris’s novel. It follows FBI agent Clarice Starling, who becomes entangled again with the imprisoned serial killer Hannibal Lecter.
Julianne Moore took over the role of Starling from Jodie Foster, who did not return for the sequel. Anthony Hopkins returned as Lecter, and director Ridley Scott chose Moore for the part. The story explores violence and ideas about good and evil, themes that can make its events unsettling for viewers.