Futamono
“The tragedy is not to die, Abel, but to be wasted.” – Dr. Hannibal Lecter
Yeah, its a bit odd to be moved by a quote from a fictional character, let alone one who is a cannibal, but I’ve always found this quote to be profoundly moving. I initially heard it in the “Futamono” episode of the series, though I understand it was lifted directly from the Thomas Harris novel “Hannibal.”
Its simple, and elegant. Plus in the context of the episode, it’s got a bit more… punch, so to speak. Dr. Abel Gideon has literally been served up an exquisitely prepared dish of his own leg. He politely declines to Hannibal, who then says the line. When faced with his impeding mortality, Gideon decides to acquiesce and take bite. The expression on his face, played wonderfully by Eddie Izzard, clearly says “fuck it. Im’ma about to die, may as well. <nom nom nom>” Then, to his surprise, he actually enjoys it.
It is a very disturbing scene to watch, as were many in the run of the show [I’m still amazed that this was on network TV], but that is what makes the statement so damn memorable. Experience the things that might make you a little uncomfortable, you might like it*.
Anywho, this tweet popped up on my Timehop app today [though the episode had actually aired a few days earlier on April 4, 2014, but I mean, who watches television live?] so I thought it was worth revisiting.
“… the tragedy is not to die, but to be wasted…” best quote from a fictional cannibal ever! (#Hannibal @BryanFuller)
— Happi Devil (@HappiDevil) April 7, 2014
Also, if you haven’t see the show, it’s amazing. I mean, Siouxsie Sioux was a Fannibal!
*I mean, not like cannibalism though. There is a line.