Creator - Hannibal Lecter Mask

The Hannibal Gallery
Halloween Masks

The Story Behind The Mask

If you recall Silence of the Lambs, Dr Lecter was interviewed by a phsychiatrist while he was jailed. He had a wire cage covering his face that sat right up against his nose as the doctor spoke to him. That was in fact an upside down goalie mask cage purchased in Gerry Cosby's Sporting Goods in Manhatten, NY. The buyers were designers from the prop department at Strong Heart Productions, a subsidiary of Orion Pictures. They told the manager they needed a mask made for a movie they were producing. The manager pulled out a business card and said, "Here, call this guy". That business card belonged to yours truly and the rest as they say "is history". So in the fall of 1989, I got a call from costume designer Coleen Atwood. At the time, I had no idea who Anthony Hopkins was or what I was getting into. She told me they were making a movie and needed a mask made. I said, tell me about the scene. She replied, "Well, he's a psychizophrenic who goes around biting people" I said, "So, you want me to make you a muzzle? ". Coleen asked that I put on my thinking cap and get back to them. Having years of experience making old time fiberglass goalie masks that fit exactly to the face, this was a no brainer. I dug up some photos of full fiberglass masks that I made then drew an outline where I planned on cutting the mask. So in a matter of about 5 minutes, the concept was born and sketches of the Hannibal Lechter mask were in the mail. Basically the Lechter mask is nothing more than the lower half of an old time goalie mask. Then I added bars over the mouth to make it look mean. I suggested to the props department to leave the fiberglass in it's raw color of greenish- brown to make it look like it was made in the jail housing Hannibal "the Cannibal". The producers loved the idea ! I guess I was in the right place at the right time.

Later, in 1991, "The Silence of the Lambs" starring Anthony Hopkins and Jody Foster was released. It went on to win 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture. I was ecstatic to see my first and only Hollywood mask become an iconic piece of movie history. It sent chills down the spine of many viewers.

The Hannibal Gallery

Halloween Masks

-- NEW FOR 2008 ! --

For Halloween 2008 and 2009, Don Post will be producing a new line of Hannibal Lechter half masks, full Latex masks and other Hannibal props. These masks will be available at Wal-Mart, Target, Spencers, Party City and throughout web sites worldwide. Buy Early before supplies run out !