The Hannibal Files is an incisive critical appraisal of the three Hannibal Lecter novels and their subsequent film adaptations. The career of Lecter creator Thomas Harris is examined, and the development of the novels and screenplays analyzed. The author sheds new light on the scripting, casting and shooting of all three movies, and describes how the disappointing box-office returns of Manhunter gave way to the critically acclaimed blockbuster The Silence of the Lambs. The story is brought up to date with a revealing insight into the production of the latest film, Hannibal.