It's said only because it's a pleasantry, because he knows if Hannibal were here he'd make him introduce himself properly. And Will feels compelled to somehow edge closer to this. Every step he takes in regards to Francis Dolarhyde is cautious, like an animal learning something new, bit by bit.
He takes care to note the lack of eye contact, the sudden tension.
"There's a lot more to art than the bigger picture. I guess I just find that interesting in general."