Character Analysis of Dr Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs - Movie Review Example

Cory D. Cobern Bio Psycho Social Individual Assessment: Character Analysis of Dr. Hannibal Lecter from Movie Silence of the Lambs George Mason University Bio Psycho Social Individual Assessment: Character Analysis of Dr. Hannibal Lecter from Movie Silence of the Lambs The client chosen for this report is a character named Dr. Hannibal Lecter from the movie trilogy, The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Red Dragon (2002) and Hannibal (2003). Though all the movies portray the same character at different stages of his life, the primary focus for this paper will be Hannibal Lecter as depicted in the movie, The Silence of the Lambs. The following assessment is based on the facts about the character as presented in the movie but on certain rare occasions, slight modifications has been made to make the case fit for inclusion in a social work context. For example, the character in the movie is lodged in a maximum security prison but in the assessment this aspect has been ignored. I. Referral Statement: A. Source: The client manifests inappropriate behavior, such as getting into a fit of rage or demonstrating the tendencies to be violent, when he encounters people whom think are uncivilized or impolite to others. During such occasions, he needs intervention by social workers as well as mental health workers. On certain other occasions he exhibits extreme behavior that warrants the intervention of judicial system. Client has been referred by the Corrections Facility in the town. B. Previous Contact with the Agency: No instances of previous contact with agency although the patient has been undergoing psychiatric treatment in Baltimore State Forensic Hospital initially and later in Baltimore State Hospital for Criminally Insane. C. Dates and Other Agencies: The client has been availing psychiatric treatment from the prison and the services of the psychiatrist are being hired by the prison authorities. Dates, history and further details are reflected in the attached document. D. Identify Data Sources and Assess the Quality and Accuracy of Information: The data relevant to the case has been provided by the prison authorities, which is reliable and accurate. Most of the files relating to previous treatment have been provided and the history of treatment and medication is available. II. Identifying Information: A. Name and Address: Dr. Hannibal Lecter, Address Line-1, Address Line-2, Address Line-3 B. Date and Place of Birth: January 2, 1938 Maine C. Race/Ethnic Background: Native American, White D. Education: PhD/Doctorate in Psychiatry E. Employment: Dr Lecter worked as an Emergency Room Physical for about six months in Maryland Misericordia Hospital, during 1970. Subsequently, he established his own clinic in Maryland where he practices till 1975. During 1975 he also had also undertaken psychiatric evaluation assignments with the State Courts of Maryland and Virginia. During his private practice he has had a lot of wealthy client who have given him large sums of money for consultancy services. F. Religion/Spiritual Practice: Sound, in depth knowledge of religion but does not practice religion G. Marital Status: Single H. Legal Status/Residency: US resident and citizen by birth I. Present Living Arrangements (Persons in Household, Age, Relationship to Client) Living alone in Maryland, own private property. III. Problem Identification and Definition: A. Presenting Problem(s), Precipitating Events and Current Situation: Behaves normally but can have spells of violent behavior if provoked. Usually provocation occurs when he confronts certain types of people he despises on grounds of a belief that they are uncouth, triggering in him the memory of the ‘deserters’ who were responsible for the death of his parents and sister. B. Problem as Defined by Client, Significant Others and Worker: Client refuses to believe he has a problem and since he is a psychiatrist with an in depth knowledge in the subject he considers himself immune to any interpretation, analysis or scrutiny by other psychiatrists. He has no significant others, or relatives who may be in a position to shed any light into his problem. Most of the information about him derives from the FBI records and some acquaintances or relatives of his victims. C. History of Problem: Onset, Development and Prior Attempts at Solution: Dr. Hannibal Lecter’s problem has been triggered from a traumatic experience in his childhood when he was only six. In the aftermath of WW-II, some fugitive soldiers whom he refers to as the ‘deserters’ encroach his family’s ranch, kills his parents and locks him and his younger sister Mischa in the barn. Subsequently, when they run out of food, they take away Mischa, kill and cannibalize her, while Hannibal sat, praying that God give him an opportunity to meet his sister again. The memory of his younger sister, being killed an eaten by the barbaric ‘deserters’ whom he considers as cowards and uncouth men, haunts him triggering in him intense hatred for uncivilized people or those who indulge in any wrong activity. All of his victims are people whom he considers as uncouth or engaging in any evil or immoral act. But, most of all, he despises men who do not honor women or behave with them in an unruly manner. As he grows, his despise for such men becomes his fantasy and he wants to extract his vengeance. He has been subjected to psychiatric intervention while he was in prison but due to his patronizing attitude to other psychiatrists, the treatment has not been able to fetch any significant outcomes. IV. Biological Factors and Functioning: A. Physical Appearance: Height, Weight, Distinguishing Features: The client is of average height, well-built and athletic even at this age and within a reasonable weight, appropriate to his body frame. His sharp and deep blue eyes are piercing and he has an aura of elegance and grace about him. His bald head, with scant hair combed in sleek cowlicks projects a classic, sophisticated look. B. Physical Functioning, Including Sexual History, if Relevant: The client is very agile and has quick reflexes and all his bodily functions have remained normal. No significant events relating to his sex history is known. However, he is straight and does not have any specific episodes that are noteworthy. C. Developmental History (If Applicable to Current Problem Definition): The trauma that he sustained at the age of six does not appear to have hampered his physical or mental development in any manner. However, it has caused him severe mental agony and traumatized him in some peculiar way that resulted in his obsessive loathing for men who he consider as uncouth. In all other areas of physical and mental developmental aspects, he displays an outstanding mental and developmental record. D. Medical History and Current Problems/Treatment: The client’s psychological problem relates to his fixation for uncouth people who he despises to such an extent that he feels an obsessive necessity to kill them. He also practices cannibalism on his victims and engages in elaborate preparations to cook the vital parts and eat them. He has confessed that this gave him the sense of engaging in some kind of a ritualistic practice and he fantasizes that these rituals will cleanse him of his feelings of guilt for not having been able to save Mischa from the deserters. He has also admitted that he wakes up at night from nightmares of the scenes when the deserters killed and cannibalized his sister. He also fantasizes that perhaps this practice will pacify his sister’s soul. He further feels that he has reserved a space for Mischa in this world and he says to Clarice Starling, the FBI agent in The Silence of the Lambs and its sequel that he has meant for Clarice to be in the best place in this world. This seems to suggest that finally Hannibal places Clarice in a sacred place, which culminates into the fulfillment of his fantasy. It becomes relevant here that after this revelation to Clarice, the doctor has not engaged in any criminal activities. V. Psychological Factors and Functioning (Reference Psychological Testing Patterns and Themes if any): The client, being a highly skilled psychiatrist, will be able to manipulate any psychological tests that his doctors may undertake and thus it is not useful to subject him to any test to measure any of his attributes. He has an uncanny talent to transform the inquirer into the subject of enquiry and turn the pursuer into the pursued. This can be evidenced from how he has elicited intimate personal information from Clarice, who interviews him for extracting information about him and Buffalo Bill. Cognitive Development and Functioning – Intelligence, Creativity and Judgment: The subject is highly intelligent, perhaps beyond all the concepts that a definition of the word can encompass. His creative talents expand to an array of areas including art, music, theology, philosophy as well as science, to mention a few. Hailing from an aristocratic lineage he enjoys delicious cuisines and is an ardent connoisseur of rare wines. He possesses the faculty of accurate judgment and he understands people and their motives by simply talking to them for a few minutes. A. Emotional Development and Functioning – Temperament, Moods and Disposition etc.: The client is highly mature emotionally and remains stable. He does not reveal his emotion to others nor are they able to scrutinize his feelings due to his countenance that always remains steely and unflinching even when he batters a man to death. He takes extra care to maintain a cool temperament, is extremely polite and courteous and maintains a well-balanced disposition and cultured attitude. He slips into a bad mood or temperament only when he confronts ugly situations involving uncouth men. B. Ego Functioning – Defense Mechanisms, Motivation, Competence, Self-concept, self-awareness, Impulse Control, Resilience: Despite the chilling aspects of his complex personality, Dr. Hannibal Lecter brims with a positive energy that his vibrant ego constantly feeds him. Defense mechanism of this client responds instantaneously, fluid and agile, due to his sharp intelligence and acute sense of humor. He remains highly motivated, resilient and never falls prey to impulsive reactions. Every step he takes, every move he makes, derives from the calculations and premeditations that he swiftly does behind the façade of a tranquil countenance. C. Stage of Development/Role Behavior/Sexual Orientation: Except for one traumatic instance, his developmental stages have been congenial and it reflects in his characteristic traits. He is heterosexual with no reported instances of perversions or other deviant sexual behaviors. VI. Social Factors and Transitions: A. Identification and Description of Transactions with Significant Systems Including Family, School, Neighborhood, House of Worship, Other Agencies, Recreation, Work or Volunteer Settings, and other Social Networks: The client does not have any known living relatives. However, he has loved his family, especially his sister intimately. His academic and social life has remained and he has a charming personality that attracts people to him. He mingles effectively with people and most of them find him friendly and influential. B. Interpersonal Development and Functioning: Relationship, Sexual Intimacy, Independence, Trust, Hostility, Commitments, Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Skills: Dr. Lecter possess excellent interpersonal skills, is independent, trustworthy and his verbal and nonverbal communication skills are excellent. C. Family History and Relationships, Past and Present (Consider Relationships even if the Significant Others are Deceased: Though presently he has no surviving relatives, he has a deep rooted love for his sister and losing her at an early, to the brutality of the ‘deserters’ has been the only black spot in this life as well as reason for his psychological problem. D. Education: Significant Patterns, Goals, Adjustments, Relationships to Peers and Teachers etc.: The client has an excellent academic track record and there have been no reported instances of any problems in adjusting with teachers or peers. E. Amount of Income and Sources, Socio-Economic Status and Employment History: He is financially well off, earning good money as a renowned psychiatrist and with an excellent social standing. VII. Cultural Factors and Transitions: A. Identification of Significant Cultural Factors – How these Impact the Client and the Client’s Experience: The client hails from an aristocratic lineage and, thus, his abhorrence for uncouth individuals can be seen as natural. However, when coupled with the barbaric act of the ‘deserters’ killing and cannibalizing his younger sister, his loathing for them assumed an obsessive magnitude. Thus, his cultural background has a significant influence in how he perceives the world and the inhabitants in them. B. Consider Race, Religion and Ethnicity; Age, Gender & Sexual Orientation, Disability, Community Norms and Values: None of the murders he has committed involves any bias arising out of the above aspects relevant either to him or his victims. Similarly, the impact of the trauma he has undergone, as a result of the extreme cruelty meted out to his kid sister in his presence, has blurred the notions of any values that he cherishes. C. Examine Cultural Norms and their Integration or Coexistence with Wider Societal Norms; Examine Attitudes about Receiving Help as Influenced by Cultural Norms: The cultural norms that Hannibal has learned and its wider societal perspectives have imbibed certain sense of values in him. Therefore, he loathes uncouth behavior and to his tormented psyche, his crimes conform to the rude attitude of his victims who disrespect other humans, especially women, which can be evidenced from his abhorrence for Miggs, who defiles the purity of Clarice’s cheek with a splatter of his semen. Perhaps, in the process of growing up into an adult, Hannibal may have seen several instances of such behaviors that have nullified his sensitivity to societal and cultural norms. D. Immigration/Refugee/Exile: Not applicable to the client. VIII. Substance Use: A. Use of Prescription Drugs: During early treatment periods he seems to have taken some medication but he defies authority and may not take any drugs prescribed by other doctors. B. Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs Including Type and Frequency of Use: He does consume alcohol regularly and he also has a fascination for rare wines but his drinking habits are controlled and healthy. C. Circumstances of Use (At Parties, Every Day after Work, Alone Vs. with Works etc.): He drinks at parties and also at home but remains sober no matter whether he takes alcohol alone or in the company of others. D. Present Vs. Past Use: Like in the past, he continues his drinking habit with the same sobriety. E. Personal/Legal/Employment Problems Related to Substance Use: The client does not have any reported problem of this sort and he is not the type who will create any such issues. F. Prior Treatment for Substance Abuse: None G. Family History of Substance Abuse Problems: None IX. Other Significant Factors: A. Legal – History of Offences, Convictions, Parole, Probation, Pending Charges, Court Orders: He has been convicted on the charges of 14 homicides. B. Military – Rank, Duties, Discharge Date and Status: He has never served in the military. X. Formulation/Biopsyhosocial Diagnostic Statement: A. Based on the data above, develop a summary statement of the identifying information and problem(s), including a summary of the sources creating disequilibrium between the person and situation. In the summary, discuss, as well, strengths and resources available for problem solving/change/growth: Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a 75 year old veteran psychiatrist, has a criminal history of 14 murders and allegation of cannibalism practices. His psychopathic tendencies stem from a childhood trauma at the age of six, when his younger sister was killed and cannibalized by some deserted soldiers. He is an extremely polite, highly educated and civilized man, who enjoys arts and is highly creative. B. In Regard to Strength and Resources: (1) Examine client’s capacities – Ego strengths, skills, models of coping with previous problems, motivation, hope, resilience, ability to access external resources, understanding of current problem, current problem solving resources: The client has immense talents and creativity in various arts and sciences, which can be used in enabling him to cope better with his problems. However, his calm and serene countenance turns into vicious hostility when he encounters uncouth men. His strength is his talent coupled with creativity in an array of areas such as drawing, painting, music, philosophy etc. He enjoys reading and writing and has published several books. His interest in these areas is a potential tool that can be effectively integrated into his the process of his change and problem solving, if aligned properly. The social worker will have to divert his attention to these resources for attaining best outcomes. (2) Examine External Resources – Availability and commitment of family, informal service systems (friends, indigenous helpers etc.); formal service systems (benefits, entitlements, programs): External resources, in terms of family members, are nonexistent in the case of this client. On the other hand, Clarice Sterling, who remains one of the main sources of his motivation, will be a potential tool in his recovery. XI. Goals and Intervention Plans – Goals is a Statement, Identifying Anticipated Outcome of intervention: The main goal of intervention will be helping the client to eschew his fantasy in terms of extracting vengeance for the brutality inflicted on his kid sister by killing the people whom he considers as uncouth and evil. He has regained a great level of normalcy on the notion that by offering Clarice a best place in the world, which he symbolically perceives as the place he has reserved for Mischa. He also believes that by doing so he has helped his sister’s soul attain peace. Therefore, the main strategy of the intervention needs to focus on strengthening these notions. In addition, special care will have to be taken to ensure that the client never finds himself in the company of people whom he may perceive as uncouth or dangerous to the serenity of the world. In the context of use of resources, the best resource is the client’s passion for arts as well as other areas of creativity. Providing him an aesthetic environment where his interests can thrive will help him engage in creative activities that can divert his mind to more positive indulgences. Due the unique characteristics of the client, his intervention will have to solely depend on individual modality as the resources in the intervention are his on specific traits of creativity and passion for arts. XII. Self-Reflection: As a social worker my relationship with the client was that of a companion than counselor primarily because of the client’s superior status as a renowned psychiatrist and a highly learned person. During the interactions, I always attempted to create an impression that my role is that of a learner and that I consider him as a mentor. This, I am confident, will help pamper his ego and he will be supportive of me as well as treat me friendly. This way, I can make him oblige for certain favors, in terms of complying with any intervention strategies like subjecting himself to a test, when required. I also provided him with a lot of books, drawing tools and an easel etc. so that he can engage is his creative arts whenever he wants. I have been able to establish a good rapport with the client as well as able to gain his trust and confidence. One of the challenges in completing the assessment was making sure that all the information entered in the assessment form is correct. The client was well behaved with me and had extended me reasonable support. He always treated me politely and with respect. However, I have not yet gained the required level of confidence where I can cross check all information with him. The main limitation of the assessment form is that it does not offer ample leeway for evaluating a client whose psychopathic tendencies meander beyond the realm of normally understood aspects. Thus, it becomes restrictive when applied to a person of the magnitude of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. In many aspects, it limits its scope by embracing the traditional concepts of psychopathic behavior. In the modern world, with its overall development in technology and other aspects, human behavior may also transcend the perceived boundaries and evaluation data also needs to recognize this aspect and must be modified accordingly. It is a normal human tendency to become subjective in certain matters, especially after a social worker establishes personal relationship with a client. In the case of Dr. Hannibal I have started to like him a lot after I have personally known him. Thus, I am afraid a small of my opinions and observations may have been slightly tainted by my personal views of certain aspects of the assessment. However, I have taken extreme care not to be biased and to make the assessment as objective as it can be. This has, however, been a great opportunity for me to learn the strategies for assessment of a client and also to understand the importance of accurate information in providing the appropriate intervention for clients. Read More