How to charm your way to murder
In Michael Mann’s 1986 thriller Manhunter, one character pulls the strings of an investigation and creates the perfect situation for himself to escape the confines of a high-security prison. His name was Hannibal Lecter. Played with gritty charm, Brian Cox brought the intellectually-superior psychopath to life to memorable effect. His role has been reprised by two other equally-powerful actors in the years that followed. A forensic psychiatrist by profession and an aficionado of human flesh by hobby, Hannibal Lecter’s perceived degree of control over those whom he deems worthy of his time gives him absolute control over every situation he finds himself in.
There is a valuable lesson to be learned from the psychopathic psychiatrist. Commitment to any situation is a major (if not the only) determinant to the degree of success one achieves. Throughout his time as a renowned investigator and psychiatrist, Lecter adapts to the situation he finds himself in to avoid having his penchant for gruesome murder discovered by the authorities; the same authorities whom he is helping catch other killers. Although it can be easily put down to his quality of being adaptable, upon closer inspection, one will realize that it is his inherent need to feel the fabric of the situation that allows him the ability to be ready for any eventuality.
If it means sleeping with your potential informer, forcing a patient into self-mutilation or serving on the advisory board of the country’s premier law enforcement agency, Dr. Lecter aligns everyone’s expectations from him in a discernible constellation of perceived control. Perceived not just by the good doctor, but also by those whom he wants to control. With his disarming smile, devilish charm and the use of silence, it is a very simple, yet highly effective formula for control.
It can be argued that control is an illusion. It can also be argued that perceived absolute control is the only real high one can attain in a social setting. The sociopathic notion of total control can motivate even the most docile of people into action. For evidence, one needs to simply venture our collective history. It will be very difficult to find a leader who wasn’t motivated by their own sociopathic-control-inspired values.
In all the films and novels (by Thomas Harris), all those who come across Hannibal Lecter are left challenged in some way or the other. Whether is it is the feeling of incompletion or one of ineptitude. It is in this gap in one’s own comprehension ability that the good doctor preys on so well. Whether it is telling Will Graham the things he dreads to hear, or revisiting Clarice Starling’s disturbed childhood, or massaging the fragile ego of Chief Jack Crawford. Whatever the situation demands, Dr. Lecter is happy to oblige.
From Michael Mann’s 1986 thriller to the De Laurentiis produced series, in each version, a different dimension of the doctor is explored. In Ridley Scott’s Hannibal, he is lesser screen time but his impact is not diminished in any way. In Bryan Singer’s Red Dragon, he has been bested by a worthy opponent. But even after being aware of the consequences, he never ceases at a chance to take a swipe at him, reinforcing the fear he harbors. He murders without remorse, he rationalizes without emotion. The perfect combination for anyone looking to make murder a sustainable habit.
Another lesson is how to use the power of silence. Dr. Lecter knows he is feared. He knows he causes the weak-hearted to shiver in their boots. What does he do to maintain that image? He uses silence in the most influential way possible. He smiles scarcely, but when he does, he can melt the stoniest of hearts. He speaks in measured tones, thus, guaranteeing that whenever he does, his listeners hear nothing else. Once he has them raptured, he strikes like a praying mantis after copulation.
The different soft skills that he employs to run the world the way he wants is a great observation study for any person who yearns to be a better people manager. He maintains his image of a well-spoken, highly educated individual so well, that he secures his public image as one of a caring doctor. So much so that when the news finally breaks and he is hunted down, it was a hard reality to accept for his ardent supporters and followers. Including his protege, Will Graham.
Dr. Lecter is the perfect example of how one can charm one’s way to murder and gather fans while doing it. As morbid as it sounds, sometimes the greatest examples of effective management comes from the most unlikely of places. One must observe the evolution of Hannibal Lecter’s character and he finds dispensible allies in order to keep his game going.
Those who do not know of this character, be warned, he is also the perfect, literal example of a ‘Wolf in a sheep’s clothing’.
