Fifteen years ago, the late French actor Gaspard Ulliel portrayed a younger version of Hannibal Lecter in the 2007 feature, Hannibal Rising, based on the prequel novel of the same name written by Thomas Harris (who also wrote the film's screenplay). The movie was critically panned due to its formulaic revenge plot and grotesque violence. However, Ulliel's portrayal of a younger Hannibal is intriguing because it shows how the character became a serial killer and his desire for vengeance against Nazis who destroyed his childhood and his family. This Hannibal character also displays his fighting abilities (especially with a sword) and his skills as a medical student.