31 quotes
A Dark Invitation to Fun
Hannibal Lecter
Your job is to craft my doom... so I'm not sure how well I should wish you... but I'm sure we'll have a lot of fun. Ta-ta. "H.
[in a letter to Clarice Starling]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Perspective on Disgrace and Incarceration
Hannibal Lecter
Dear Clarice, I have followed with enthusiasm the course of your disgrace and public shaming. My own never bothered me, except for the inconvenience of being incarcerated, but you may lack perspective.
[in a letter to Clarice Starling]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Nature of Predatory Instincts
Mason Verger
When the fox hears the rabbit scream, he comes a-runnin'... but not to help.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Reflections on Freedom and Identity
Hannibal Lecter
My freedom, just that. You'd take that from me. And if you did, would they have you back, do you think? The FBI? Those people you despise almost as much as they despise you? Will they give you a medal, Clarice, do you think? Would you have it professionally framed and hang it on your wall to look at and remind you of your courage and incorruptibility? All you would need for that, Clarice, is a mirror.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Dark Conversation on Grace and Hatred
Hannibal Lecter
Paul, would you like to say grace?
Paul Krendler
God bless every one of us, even white trash like Starling.
[in drugged, lobotomized stupor]
Hannibal Lecter
I don't think the ] could have put it any better. He hated women too.
[[Paul of Tarsus|Apostle Paul]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Tense Encounter Over Wine
Paul Krendler
What the fuck...
Hannibal Lecter
Good, you brought the wine.
[walks in from behind'']
Paul Krendler
Oh God--
[Lecter smothers him with a dish cloth]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Here We Go: A Moment of Anticipation
Hannibal Lecter
Okey-dokey, here we go.
[repeated line]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Hannibal's Dark Intentions Revealed
Hannibal Lecter
Please don't be confused—because I may have to fillet Signora Pazzi after all.
[to Rinaldo Pazzi]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Dangerous Cookie Suggestion
Mason Verger
I might be able to get a cookie now. What do you think, Cordell?
Cordell Doemling
I think it would kill you.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Faith and Salvation in Conversation
Mason Verger
You know, I thank God for what happened. It was my salvation. Have you accepted Jesus, Agent Starling? Do you have faith?
Clarice Starling
I was raised Lutheran.
Mason Verger
That's not what I asked.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Confrontation Between Clarice and Krendler
Clarice Starling
Paul, what is it with you? I told you to go home to your wife, was that wrong?
Paul Krendler
Don't flatter yourself, Starling. That was a long time ago. Why would I hold that against you? Besides, this town is full of cornpone country pussy.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Hannibal Lecter's Return to Public Life
Hannibal Lecter
By the way I couldn't help noticing on the FBI's rather dull public website that I have been hoisted from the Bureau's archives of the common criminal and elevated to the more prestigious 10 Most Wanted list. Is this coincidence, or are you back on the case? If so, goody goody, cause I need to come out of retirement and return to public life.
[in a letter to Clarice Starling]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Desire and Perception Behind Prison Bars
Hannibal Lecter
Could he daily feel a stab of hunger for her, and find nourishment in the very sight of her? I think so. But would she see through the bars of his plight and ache for him?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Discussion on Money and Responsibility
Mason Verger
What do you think?
Paul Krendler
I could have handled this.
Mason Verger
Oh, coulda, woulda, shoulda. I mean what do you think about the money?
Paul Krendler
Five.
Mason Verger
Oh, let's just toss it off like five'! Let's say it with the respect it deserves.
Paul Krendler
Five hundred thousand dollars.
Mason Verger
Well, that's better, but not much. Will it work?
Paul Krendler
It'll work. Won't be pretty.
Mason Verger
What ever is?
Mason Verger
Cocksucker!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Change and Transformation in Relationships
Agent Pearsall
Of course you're right, Starling... but it doesn't change anything.
Clarice Starling
It changes everything. It changes me.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Confidence and Consequences in Law Enforcement
Hannibal Lecter
Do you have so much faith in your abilities that you honestly believe you can somehow simultaneously arrest me and them? It could get very messy, Clarice, like the fish market.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Dark Confession from Hannibal Lecter
Hannibal Lecter
On a related subject, I must confess to you, I'm giving very serious thought... to eating your wife.
[to Rinaldo Pazzi]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Reflections on Life and Well-Being
Hannibal Lecter
My life? What is there to say about mine? I have been in a state of hibernation for some time... a little inactive. But now I'm back home and I'm very happy, and very healthy. You, though. It's you I'm worried about.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Interrogation Between Lecter and Starling
Hannibal Lecter
So—now, was it Mason Verger you sold me to? No, no, no; blink twice for yes and once for no—was it Mason Verger you sold me to?
[Rinaldo Pazzi struggles in his binds; his mouth is taped-over]
Hannibal Lecter
Yes, good, thank you. And are his men waiting for me outside?
Hannibal Lecter
Was that a single blink? Oh, you're confused. Well, please don't be confused because I may have to fillet Signora Pazzi after all.
Hannibal Lecter
Have you told anyone in the questura about me? No, I thought not. Have you told Allegra? No? Are you sure? I believe you. Okey dokey, here we go. Okay... Your heart is really palpitating. Oh, it's not your heart. Well, should I answer it? Pronto.
[Pazzi blinks once; Pazzi, again, blinks once; Lecter opens the window and prepares to wheel Pazzi out onto the balcony on a box-trolley.; Lecter reaches into Pazzi's jacket and pulls out a vibrating mobile phone; Lecter answers the phone; Clarice is on the other end.]
Clarice Starling
I've gone above you. I've spoken to your section-chief. Someday you'll thank me, or you won't. I don't care, you'll be alive. Inspector Pazzi?
Hannibal Lecter
Is this Clarice? Well, hello Clarice. I'm afraid I have bad news for you.
Clarice Starling
Is he dead?
Hannibal Lecter
Did you get my note? I hope you liked the skin-cream, I had it specially made for you.
Clarice Starling
Is he dead, Dr Lecter?!
[Clarice cuts him off]
Hannibal Lecter
Clarice, there's nothing in this world that I would love more than to be able to chat with you. Unfortunately, you've caught me at an awkward moment. Please forgive me. See you around... An old friend. OK, hold on. Here we go... What's it to be? Bowels in or bowels out, like Judas? Oh, you're confused? Then I'll decide for you, if you permit me.
[Lecter hangs up the phone and turns to Pazzi; Lecter places the phone back into Pazzi's jacket; He wheels Pazzi out onto the balcony, whistling rock-a-bye-baby; Lecter incises Pazzi's abdomen with his Spyderco Harpy and sends him over the railing]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Contemplating Darkness and Cannibalism
Paul Krendler
Jesus, Starling! What are you doing sitting there in the dark?
Clarice Starling
Thinking about cannibalism.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Dark Reflection on Transformation and Preference
Mason Verger
I suppose now you wish that you had fed the rest of me to the dogs.
Hannibal Lecter
No, Mason. I much prefer you the way you are.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Tense Exchange of Trust and Threats
Clarice Starling
I'll cut you loose. If you touch me, I'll shoot you.
Hannibal Lecter
Understood.
Clarice Starling
Do right, and you'll live through this.
Hannibal Lecter
Spoken like a true Protestant.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Reflection on Pain and Choices
Mason Verger
The good doctor approached me with a piece of broken mirror and said, "Try this"...
Hannibal Lecter
Try peeling off your face...
Mason Verger
...and feeding it to the dogs." Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.
[In the flashback, Verger cuts off parts of his face]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Mason Verger and Cordell Doemling Discuss Lecter
Mason Verger
So what do you think, Cordell? Does Lecter want to fuck her or kill her or eat her alive?
Cordell Doemling
Probably all three, though I wouldn't want to predict in what order.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Irony of Fear and Perception
Mason Verger
Isn't it funny? You can look at my face... but you shied when I said the name of God.
[to Clarice]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Journey to Watch and Run
Hannibal Lecter
I came half way around the world, to watch you run, Clarice. Let me run, eh?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Immunity and Confidence in Power
Mason Verger
It's all right. I have immunity from the U.S. Attorney. And I have immunity... from the risen ]. And nobody beats the Riz.
[[Jesus]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Haunting Presence of a Bad Habit
Clarice Starling
He's always with me. Like a bad habit.
[about Dr. Lecter]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Record-Setting Achievement of Clarice Starling
Clarice Starling
This is from the Guinness Book of World Records, congratulating me on being the female FBI Agent who has shot and killed the most people.
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Fear of Humiliation and Identity Crisis
Hannibal Lecter
What is worst about this humiliation, Clarice? Is it how your failure will reflect on your mommy and daddy? Is your worst fear that people will now and forever believe they were indeed just good old trailer-camp, tornado-bait white trash, and that perhaps you are too?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Consequences of Breeding in Nature
Hannibal Lecter
There are shallow rollers, and there are deep rollers. You can't breed two deep rollers... or their young, their offspring, will roll all the way down, hit, and die. Agent Starling is a deep roller, Barney. Let us hope one of her parents was not.
[to Barney, on a recording from his imprisonment]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.