Today Sir Anthony Hopkins plans to "break the silence" as the much-anticipated sequel to 1991's The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, opens in theaters nationwide.

Hopkins reprises his role as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, while Julianne Moore plays FBI Agent Clarice Starling — Jodie Foster's role in The Silence of the Lambs.

Shooting for the film started on May 8, 2000 in Florence, Italy. The movie was filmed in 83 working days over a span of 16 weeks.

Based on the third novel in a series by Thomas Harris that began with Manhunter, Hannibal continues the story of Dr. Lecter, who returns to America while being stalked by one of his victims, who has obviously survived.

Lecter attempts to make contact with Starling, who ends up trying to protect him.

Ridley Scott, whose filmography includes Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma and Louise and the recent box-office hit Gladiator, directs Hannibal. Jonathan Demme directed Silence.

In deciding to direct the film, Scott said he read the 600-page manuscript in just three sittings.

"I just loved the density of the story and the characters," Scott said in an MGM press release. "I liked the fact that it not only takes place 10 years later, but it has been written 10 years later and therefore it feels like something that's totally distinct from its predecessor."

According to Premiere magazine, The Silence of the Lambs hit theaters just short of 10 years ago on February 14, 1991. Hannibal's release date is quite fitting considering that the story picks up ten years after the point Silence left off.

"If this film comes up to the level of The Silence of the Lambs, I'll be very happy," Scoot said.

"But I'm very competitive, so it might even be more interesting than its predecessor."