Contorno (Hannibal)

In the context of the Hannibal television series (2013-2015), contorno refers to a specific artistic and thematic element employed by Hannibal Lecter in the preparation and presentation of his cannibalistic "meals." It transcends mere culinary plating and becomes a form of performance art, a meticulously crafted tableau designed to shock, unsettle, and communicate on a deeper, often macabre, level.

The contorno involves the artistic arrangement of the victim's body, or parts thereof, into visually striking and disturbing displays. These arrangements are not simply random; they are imbued with symbolism, drawing on art history, mythology, and Hannibal's own twisted psychology to convey meaning. The arrangement of the body becomes an extension of Hannibal's twisted philosophy, a reflection of his perception of beauty and his contempt for the boundaries of human morality.

The contorno serves several purposes for Hannibal. It is a way for him to express his artistic vision, to create a lasting impression on his "audience" (often law enforcement or his fellow gourmands), and to exert control over his victims even in death. The unsettling nature of the displays forces those who witness them to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the potential for depravity.

Furthermore, the contorno can be viewed as a form of communication. Hannibal uses these arrangements to send messages, to taunt his adversaries, and to challenge their understanding of the world. The artistic complexity of the displays often hints at a deeper psychological understanding of both the victim and the observer.

In essence, the contorno is a central aspect of Hannibal Lecter's character in the television series, highlighting his intelligence, his artistic sensibilities, and his utter lack of empathy. It elevates his cannibalism beyond mere survival or depravity and transforms it into a form of transgressive art.