After playing video games, [1] we rented Manhunter, [2] the first film in which Dr. Hannibal Lecter appeared. Of course, this time he's played by Brian Cox [3] and not Anthony Hopkins. [4] But the plot is similar to Silence of the Lambs: [5] an FBI agent calls upon Dr. Lecter to help track down a serial killer.
It's not a bad film but it isn't in the same league as Silence of the Lambs. It actually comes across more as a very well done student film than a slick Hollywood production—the music is a bit loud and the mixing is rather jarring at times. But it's an interesting story and it's not revealing anything to say that Dr. Lecter does not escape.
And it's not nearly as graphic in the violence either.
It's worth a rental.
[2] http://us.imdb.com/Title?0091474
[3] http://us.imdb.com/Name?Cox,+Brian
[4] http://us.imdb.com/Name?Hopkins,+Anthony